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Laurie Gessay Anderson

1951 - 2009

Laurie Gessay Anderson obituary, 1951-2009, Del Mar, CA

BORN

1951

DIED

2009

Laurie Anderson Obituary

Laurie Gessay Anderson, 57, left us too soon after a tragic accident in Del Mar. She was born in Hartford, CT, the third and youngest child of Dr. Louis H. and Peggy Gessay. The family moved to San Diego in 1954 and lived in La Jolla where Laurie went through La Jolla's Bird Rock Elementary and Muirlands Junior High, following behind her brothers, Greg and Glenn. She graduated from La Jolla High School, class of 1969. She received her bachelor's degree from University of the Pacific in 1973 and her master's degree in Occupational Therapy from University of Southern California in 1975.
In 1975, she married the love of her life, Craig R. Anderson; the two had been sweethearts since junior high school. Craig's career took them first to Manhattan, then to London where her beloved son, Dylan, was born, and then to Tokyo, where her beloved daughter, Chelsea, was born. In 1990, the family returned to the San Diego area, residing in Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar. Laurie became an active member of KidsCorp, the Women's Resource Center and Smart Recovery. She was also very involved with her children's schools and Craig's businesses.
Laurie's love for volunteering was indicative of her big heart. She served as a docent for Birch Aquarium and spent many years with Hospice-by-the-Sea assisting families and individuals on their final journeys of life.
Laurie was a wonderful wife, loving mother, devoted daughter, endearing sister and a dear friend to many. She was a bright light for everyone who knew her, sensitive, caring, always positive and upbeat, always thinking of others and reaching out to help in any way she could. Her presence in all our lives has been a great gift. She will be deeply missed.
Laurie is survived by her husband, Craig; son, Dylan; daughter, Chelsea; her father, Lou and stepmother, Dell; brothers, Greg and Glenn and their families; and many cherished lifelong friends.
A Celebration of Life was held in Del Mar on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers; donations may be made "In Memory of Laurie Anderson" to Hospice-by-the-Sea, Attention: Kathy Jackson, 312 S. Cedros #250, Solana Beach, CA 92075.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Del Mar Times (Online) from Jun. 10 to Jul. 10, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Laurie Anderson

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July 9, 2009

Laurie was a true inspiration and light in my life as a Delta Gamma pledge. She was supportive, funny, caring and a lot of fun. She hypnotized us which was a freeing and enlightening experience for me. I am devastated by her loss for her family and for everyone that knew her. Laurie was a dear, loving person. Farewell, Laurie. Nancy Gray Schultz, your Delta Gamma sister

David Davis

July 5, 2009

Craig and family
I am very saddened to hear of your loss. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you during such a heart wrentching time. My high school years at La Jolla are filled with very pleasant memories of the two of you. She will always be with you my friend.

Jean Corbett Fowler

July 1, 2009

Dear Craig, Chelsea and Dylan: i was out of the country last month when my sister Joan sent me the tragic news of Laurie's death. I am still shocked and, so very sad for all of you: to lose your wife, partner-and mother. I was looking forward to seeing her at our upcoming LJHS reunion, and have wonderful memories of our experiences as LJHS cheerleaders together... and then across the many years since then, our shared experiences as working women,wives, and parents-living around the world.
I share in your grief and sadness and hold your hearts in my thoughts and prayers.

Gary Talarico

June 29, 2009

Dear Craig and Family,

We learned this sad news from Jarett Wait, which was most appropriate as we all met each other as the pioneers of the Lehman Brothers office in Japan in that tiny office in the Kasumigaseki Building with the "Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb" name still on the door. We regret that we have lost touch but the memories of those early days in Japan and the lovely and cheerful Laurie, remain fresh, particularly our first Thanksgiving dinner at a rented Japanese restaurant where we had to teach a confused (actually clueless) Japanese chef how to cook a turkey...
We remember Laurie as always cheerful and enthusiastic about everything, especially the very different experience of living in Japan when foreigners were still relatively rare. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers and may the memories of your wonderful wife and mother bring you comfort and inspiration.

Warm regards,

Gary Talarico and Linda Filardi

Steve and Kathy Bettles

June 25, 2009

Dear Craig and family,

We are so sorry for your family. We enjoyed seeing you and beautiful Laurie at RockBottom. We hope you are doing ok.

Jim Stinson

June 25, 2009

Craig and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Laurie's passing. I first met Laurie in elementary school so many years ago. I was truly blessed to have known her. She is and will remain one of the most beloved people from the "Class of '69". She will be missed by so many whose lives she touched.

June 22, 2009

Dear Families Anderson and Gessay,

We just found out on 6/20 about your loss of Laurie. We extend our deepest condolences to you all. May GOD bless you and help you in this time of grief.

Miguel & Virgie RICANOR

Jeanee Lusby

June 18, 2009

Dear Craig,
I'm so sorry. You, the kids and Laurie are in our prayers.

Michael Griffith

June 17, 2009

Dear Craig and family,
I have just heard the tragic news from
Peter Luthy in London. My heart goes out to you all. It seems just yesterday the "GhostBusters" arrived in Tokyo.
Sayonara, Laurie

Bill Ross

June 16, 2009

Dear Craig and family: I just heard the tragic news. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.

Anita Doyle

June 16, 2009

Dear Craig and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your tragic loss of a beautiful wife and mother. May God hold you all in his arms.

Nancy Foster

June 15, 2009

Dear Craig,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. My son, Justin Porter, is a friend of Dylan's from Torrey Pines and USC. You and I were friends at UCLA. We are deeply saddened and thinking of you and your children at this time.

Tony Allison

June 15, 2009

Dear Craig, Chelsea and Dylan,

Our prayers are with you. I think back to 1963 when Craig, Laurie and I started our journey at Muirlands Jr. High. It is amazing how fast 46 years can go by, but through it all Laurie remained the same vibrant, giving person I first knew in 7th grade.

The time we spend with those we love is precious, and no matter how many years we are given, it seems all too brief. Perhaps one saving grace is the love in our heart for those that have departed remains with us until we depart, and hopefully within our souls eternally.

Eva and I send our love and support.

June 14, 2009

Dear Craig and kids,

We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Laurie's accident. Please know that best wishes and love come from our family to yours. Do your best to keep your chin up.

The Lyman Family

Alan, Charlyne Sarah & Matt Lyons-Irwin

June 14, 2009

Dear Craig, Dylan & Chelsea,
We were shocked and saddened to read of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers
are with you and your family.

June 14, 2009

Dear Craig, Dylan and Chelsea: Laurie is a most positive spirit. I know RJ loved all the times he spends with Dylan. Thank you for taking the time to see him in Spain. Each and every time we saw Laurie she was always kind, caring and loving. We love her and miss her. Our thoughts and wishes are with your family always.

Ron, Linda, Julia and RJ Suokko

Axelrod Family

June 13, 2009

Craig and Family: We are so saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.

Greg Pinyan

June 13, 2009

Dear Chelsea, and Dylan,

We're a ski group from Connecticut, that spend Super Bowl Sunday watching the game with your dad and mom in a sports bar in Park City.

Your mom was an instant hit with, "the boys" with her knowledge of what was going on in the game.

From all the Boneheads that spend one lovely Sunday afternoon with your parents watching the Super Bowl, our hearts go out to you and your family in the loss of your mom. Our thoughts and prays are with you.

June 13, 2009

Dear Craig, Chelsea, and Dylan,

I am so saddened to hear of Laurie's passing. I will always remember our happy memories and great times together at Del Mar Heights. Laurie was an amazing and very special lady.

With my deepest sympathy,
Nancy Nelson

Terry Karras

June 13, 2009

Dear Craig, Dylan, and Chelsea,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of great loss. We were blessed to have known Laurie and treasure our memories of sharing the sidelines during little league baseball, soccer, & Pop Warner football games. We will always remember Laurie's strong love and support for her family.
With our deepest sympathy,
The Karras Family
Stath, Terry, James and Stacee

Judy (Harris) Kooyers

June 13, 2009

Dear Craig and famly,
I was so shocked to hear of Laurie's passing, I only learned about it after the service, I am sorry I missed it. Laurie was so precious and we will all miss her so much. May the Lord Jesus Christ grant you HIS peace and you feel HIS love in your time of sorrow.

Cindy Hebert

June 13, 2009

To the Anderson and Gessay families:
I can only imagine your feelings of loss and devastation. My heart goes out to you. Laurie was such a vibrant, beautiful lady. My thoughts go back to 17 years ago when we shared an evening on the football field at LJHS as alumni cheerleaders. I think your class was 3 years older than mine and I marvelled that Laurie not only still fit in her uniform, but also remembered and could perform all the routines! I watched her dance down the field as I stood merely yelling in my megaphone. That image will always be with me. I have no doubt that Laurie cheered for many years afterwards.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Cindy (Higgins) Hebert

June 12, 2009

Dear Dell & Lou:

My thoughts and prayers are with you
during this time of sorrow.

With Love
Carmen Holmedal, Florida

Kathy (Rossoll) Spiegel

June 12, 2009

Dear Craig, Dylan,Chelsea,The Andersons,Gessays & all of Laurie's friends- I am deeply moved by the news of Laurie's death. I learned the news after the service in her memory. You are not alone in your grief. I have my own memories of Laurie-wondering if she would have recognized herself through my eyes. Sending each of you thoughts & prayers for each of your needs to lighten your grief. I'm planting a flower in her memory.

June 12, 2009

Dear Craig, Dylan, & Chelsea,
We were so sorry to hear about Laurie. She was such a fun, energetic, giving person. She will be missed by all those who knew her. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time.
With our deepest sympathy,
The Snyders
Kent, Cindy, Ryan, & Erin

June 12, 2009

Dear Papa Lou, Auntie Dell,& Family:
Laurie's life was a gift from God, and we are blessed for having been given time to share with her. Sometimes we must travel deep into the valley of tears before we can begin to scale the great mountain of joy. Laurie has sown good seed all over the place, and we will see blossoms and blooms as a result. May our Lord Jesus Christ give you His peace, and may His everlasting arms firmly hold you assuring you daily of His Love.

Love Always,
Bobby Gaye Buchanan
Montego Bay, Jamaica

Jose Antonio Romero

June 12, 2009

My dearly beloved family,
We are all deeply saddened by Laurie´s departure.
She will always be in our hearts and we´ll remember her beautiful spirit and strength.
We love you all very much!
Jose Antonio & family (Madrid, Spain)

Lauren (Marsiglia) Bottomly

June 11, 2009

Craig and family,

Nancy Cornish McCleary e-mailed me your tragic news. May God grant you comfort.

Dell Gessay

June 11, 2009

Laurie, you were my warm, beautiful, loving and nurturing step-daughter. It is known that LOVE is the true means by which we all thrive and you surely gave us more than your share. You are so very sadly missed by all.

June 11, 2009

Craig and family,
Marty Hinds emailed me today to tell me of your tragic news. How sad we are for you. We had many good times together at LJHS. We had hoped to see you both at the 40th reunion this fall. Our love to you all,
Gil and Joan (Corbett) Hilsman
Atyrau, Kazakhstan

Richard/Ginny Gessay

June 11, 2009

Dear Uncle Lou & Family:

We are a strong family with heavy hearts during this sad time. The love for Lauri and support for our family was evident at the "Celebration of Life".

We love you Lauri, you will be in our hearts forever.

Nancy McCleary

June 11, 2009

Craig and kids,

I'm so very sorry for your loss. If there is anything an old classmate can do to be of help to you, I'm in your neighborhood.

Sincerely,
Nancy Cornish McCleary
http://www.linkedin.com/in/mcclearyn

June 11, 2009

Papa Lou, Dell, Craig, Chelsea, Dylan, Glenn, Greg and family,
I'm really so sorry for this loss! Wherever Laurie is, I'm sure she must be looking after all of you!
I send you a big hug!!!!
All my love,
Mary Biggs (Meme)

Anita Romero-Lozada

June 11, 2009

My very dear family:
Although I´m miles away from La Jolla, my mind, thoughts and beautiful memories about Laurie, are with you. Our dear Laurie will always be present in our hearts and her smile will keep shining in us forever. I love you Daddio. I love you all!

Cheryl & Steve Trimarco

June 11, 2009

Dear Uncle Lou, Aunt Dell, Craig, Chelsea, Dylan, Glenn and Greg,

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of extreme sorrow and sadness. Always remember the good times and celebrate Laurie's life. Our love is with you.

June 10, 2009

Dear Craig, Dylan and Chelsea,

We were so saddened to learn of your loss. Laurie touched so many lives and her memorial service was a beautiful tribute to her.

You are in our thoughts and our prayers.

Fondly,

Bob, Sarah, Tara and Torie Hadeler

Mike, Felice,& Mikayla Swanson

June 10, 2009

Craig, Chelsea, & Dylan,
It was so sad to find out today, of Laurie's passing. We would have loved to be at Power House to share the moments with you all and the many friends and relatives that were surely there. It is a tremendous loss for you all and for those of us that knew Laurie as well. The all-star parties and those years at North Shore were special and Laurie was a big part of it. We will remember her fondly.
With Our heartfelt Love,
The Swansons

Angie F

June 10, 2009

Dear Craig, Dylan,Chelsea and all extended family . . .

Thank you for letting me participate in Laurie's "Celebration of Life" It was very special to be involved and to be able to contribute in honoring my dear friend Laurie. Laurie unconditionally gave so much to me and to all those she knew. I will carry her close in my heart forever. Never to be forgotten and always part of me.
Love you guys,

June 10, 2009

Dear Craig, Glen, and Families - I am stunned and saddened to hear about Laurie. My love and thoughts are with you all. My mom, who is 92 now, and doesn't always remember everyone, remembers all of you and wanted to express her sympathy also.
Love, Jill Vincent Burk
from the old home in Bird Rock

Susan Frazar

June 10, 2009

Dear Craig, Dylan and Chelsea,
My deepest sympathy to you all. Although I have not known Laurie for many years, what I did know is that she was full of life and a very colorful woman. I am sorry I am away in Mexico and could not be there at Seagrove Park to celebrate her life. My thoughts are with you, as well as, my memory of Laurie.

June 10, 2009

Craig, Dylan and Chelsea are thoughts and prayers are with you. What a worm and loving service in the park.
David and Joyce Darling
Palm Dsert, Ca.

June 10, 2009

Craig, Glenn and to the entire Anderson/Gessay Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Both of your families are in our thoughts remembering great fun times! Ron Gravette and Family

June 10, 2009

Dear Andersons and Gessays - Please accept my sincere sympathy in your sad loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Jan (Jin) Jeames - FLORIDA

June 10, 2009

Dear Andersons and Gessays - We are indeed sorry to hear of your sad loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Elaine & Howie, Ewan, Shah & Josephine
JAMAICA

June 10, 2009

Dear Andersons and Gessays - Please accept our sympathy in this your sad loss. You are remembered in our prayers
Elaine and Howie Lewis- Jamaica
Ewan Fletcher,Shah and Josephine - Jamaica

June 10, 2009

Dear Andersons and Gessays - We are so sorry to hear of Laurie's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Buchanans - Jamaica
Alma, Horace and Davan- Jamaica

The Gotheridges

June 9, 2009

Dear Craig, Chelsea, and Dylan,
We were so very sorry to hear of Laurie's passing. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

--Love kept alive in the heart remains eternal--

Tom O'Neill

June 9, 2009

To my old friend Greg and to all the Gessay and Anderson families, I extend my heartfelt sadness this evening after hearing about the tragic loss of Laurie. I remember her vividly as the younger sister of Greg and Glen on Tivoli street and in later years as a lovely woman, wife and mother. She was a joyful person and a blessing to all who were touched by her caring nature and beautiful spirit. God bless her.

The Rhineharts

June 9, 2009

To all of Laurie's family and friends,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of pain and sorrow. May peace and healing come swiftly to your hearts.

Philip D'Agostinii

June 9, 2009

Dear Craig, Dylan and Chelsea- we are so sorry to hear about Laurie's passing. We are shocked and sadened but your love for her and hers for you will never die. We will pray for her and you and we know you will be together again one day.

Lisa Lessman

June 9, 2009

Today was the most perfect expression of a huge, sad loss in our lives. The celebration of Laurie's life at Seagrove Park was truly a blessed experience! I feel very fortunate (and I know I speak for the rest of my family) to have known Laurie. We grew up as neighbors on Durango in Del Mar of the wonderful Anderson family and I guess Laurie wanted us all to reunite today again. The freeing of the doves was very emotionally charged and yet liberating. Lots of love to all of you!

Dale and Mark Steele

June 9, 2009

Dear Craig,
Our hearts ache for you, and for Chelsea and Dylan. Laurie's life and the contribution she made to all she touched will shine throughout time. We hold you in our prayers.

June 9, 2009

Dear Andersons and Gessays - please accept our heartfelt sympathy in your sad loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Hassanalis - England/Berlin

Kim Urbanek

June 9, 2009

Dear Craig, Dylan, and Chelsea,
My thoughts and prayers have been with each of you these past few days. I am sorry that I am miles away in Texas and was unable to be in Del Mar to share in the memories of your wife and mother today. However, I was definitely there in spirit and I know that you were surrounded by many close friends who were able to share with you how very much Laurie meant to all of them. God Bless and let me know if there is anything I can do for you

Kathy Connor

June 9, 2009

Dear Andersons, I am so saddened to hear about Laurie. You are all in my thoughts and Prayers. Our deepest condolences. Kathy Niki and Kelly Connor

VJ& Wanda Vint

June 9, 2009

Craig, Please accept our most heart felt condolences for you and your family's loss.

Marty & Pete Hall

June 9, 2009

Chelsea,
We are so sorry to hear about your Mom. We are thinking of you and your family.

June 9, 2009

Craig, Dylan and Chelsea, my family's thoughts and prayers have been with you since Friday. I have personally known Laurie since kindergarten and consider her one of my oldest and dearest friends. She will always be in my thoughts.

Kevin, Bonnie and Stephanie Hall
La Jolla California

Glenn Gessay

June 9, 2009

My dear sister, Laurie,
I love you so much. You shined the light for so many whom you touched in your life. I only wish you were still here to continue shining that light for yourself. I will always miss you, dear sister.

Tiffany (Jackson) Parrish

June 9, 2009

Craig, Dylan & Chelsea:

I cannot make it to California to attend as you know, my baby is so little. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, and I wish I could be there with you today. I loved Laurie very much, as I do all of you and miss you all very much!

June 9, 2009

Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to you & your family from Virgil Smith & Sandy Stewart. My father has played golf with U for years. I was only a few yrs behind her at La Jolla High. I did not get to know her. I graduated in 1972. Please know that we will be thinking & praying for her, & your family.
Virgil Smith
Sandra Stewart

Russell Ingledew

June 9, 2009

Dear Craig and Family: I feel so sorry to hear the news. May God keep you strong at this tragic time.
The Ingledew family extends deepest sympathies.

June 9, 2009

Dear Craig, Dylan, Chelsea, Anderson and Gessay families - having grown up next door to the Anderson family I was fortunate to have met Laurie many years ago. She was beautiful and had a wonderful smile. I went to Craig and Laurie's wedding all those years ago in La Jolla. Craig and Laurie were that all American couple! I'm so sorry for your loss of Laurie. Having now read of her accomplishments and active caring of her community, the sense of her loss is more deeply understood. Your families are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ed & Lisa (De Jesus) Wright
Maidenhead, England

Betty Whitehead

June 9, 2009

Craig,
I am so very shocked and saddened to hear of Laurie's death. She was such a loving person. May joyful memories of her life remain in your heart.

With love,
Betty Buller Whitehead

Kamil Suheyla Kemal Serdengecti

June 9, 2009

Dear Family,
Our minds, thoughts, hearts & prayers will be with you and Dear Laurie at Seagrove Park today. We believe that she will continue to live with us as long as we cherish her memory, and remember her with her kind words and good deeds.
Let us pray for her beloved and beautiful soul to find its well deserved place in heaven and live there in eternal peace and happiness.
God bless her beautiful innocent spirit and give us all the strength and courage to endure this immense grief.

Kamil, Suheyla & Kemal

Jody Hammond Bangert

June 9, 2009

Dear Craig, Dylan and Chelsea,
We are all better people for having Laurie in our lives. There is a worldwide network of extended family and friends sending love and comfort your way.

June 9, 2009

Chelsea,
Jennie called us Sunday morning with the tragic news about your mom. Our hearts are broken for you. Please know that Julie and I will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers as you grieve and begin to move forward.
Bob and Julie Smith
Roanoke, Virginia

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