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Laura Bass Obituary
'Focused on fitness and the care of animals', of Mountainside
Laura Karene Bass, 52, of Mountainside, N.J., passed away on Friday, January 22, 2021. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2021, in Hollywood Memorial Park, Union, N.J. A private visitation for family members and close friends will precede the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at Gray Funeral Directors, 318 E. Broad Street, Westfield, N.J. Please go to www.grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences.
Laura was the daughter of the late Manfred and Marion Bass. Laura was preceded in death by her brother, Glenn, her uncles, Gerhard Bass and Joseph Mish, and her aunts, Edel Freitag and Marion Bass. She is survived by her son, Richard Glenn Heins; her three uncles, Wm. Peter Freitag, Walter Bass and William Soos; her four aunts, Bette Bass, Inge Mills, Marianne Mish and Elizabeth Soos, and 17 first cousins.
Laura graduated with an undergraduate degree in English from Seton Hall University, was a national champion body builder, and always had a love for animals and nature. She spent several summers vacationing with her family and friends at her parents' cabins on Lake Wallenpaupack in Pennsylvania.
In addition to her home in Mountainside, she also lived for several years in both the Florida Keys and Hellertown, Pa. No matter where she lived, her time was spent focused on fitness and the care of animals.
She was extremely proud of her father, Manfred Bass, who was the chief designer of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade for over 40 years, but her greatest joy was her son, Richard.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA online at www.aspca.org or via mail to P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929. Please go to www.grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Nadine Serrato
April 28, 2024
My best friend love her so much. Knew her since I was 15. Lived down the street. Drove her to school everyday. Spoke with her upto the nite.
Taryn Formichella
January 16, 2023
I think of you all of the time my friend. I still can not believe that you are not here. I wish I could talk with you one last time. My heart is so sad
NJ Turner
July 19, 2021
sending prayers for her son Richard
Marcus Hamner
February 11, 2021
Laura, I am so saddened and still heartbroken about what happened. I was always a big fan of yours ever since I was little. You were beautiful on the outside and inside. You were always my ideal wife goals. A real life Wonder Woman. You touched so many people not just in bodybuilding, but in life too. I wish I could have hugged you and said how much you mean to so many people. I love you and your family. Rest with the angels, and your family and friends are in my prayers
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Tony and Kathi Kovacic
February 8, 2021
We are stunned by this tragedy and our prayers and deepest sympathy for the family and especially son Richard. We have known you since 1978, when I first started working for the Parade, and are stunned at the loss. May God bless and comfort those who mourn.
Tom and Val Engstrom
February 8, 2021
We knew you since you were a kid, part of our Parade family a very special part of our lives. You, Glenn and your mom and dad were dear to us. We will miss you. We laughed and cried with you and now cry for you. Peace to you Laura.
Taryn Formichella
February 8, 2021
I am speechless, loss for words.., as I just one moment ago found out of your passing. Laura you were and always will be my soul sister. The only human on the face of this planet who understood me, emotional pain & grief. My heart is so deeply saddened..however at the same time peace in knowing you are with the people you loved more then anything in this world. You will always be remembered for the beautiful person you were inside and out ., forever will be. ❤rest peacefully my beautiful friend. Love always~ Taryn
Taryn
February 8, 2021
I am speechless, loss for words.., as I just one moment ago found out of your passing. Laura you were and always will be my soul sister. The only human on the face of this planet who understood me, emotional pain & grief. My heart is so deeply saddened..however at the same time peace in knowing you are with the people you loved more then anything in this world. You will always be remembered for the beautiful person you were inside and out ., forever will be. ❤rest peacefully my beautiful friend. Love always~ Taryn
Bill Smith
February 7, 2021
My heart is absolutely broken. I am in shock of your passing. I plan on paying tribute to your beloved Father Manfred in my book - and I am so very sad that you will not be able to be a part of telling this story. Having your blessing now means more than ever before. I promise you will smile upon the finished work. To your Son - Richard and your family - my prayers and deepest sympathy. Laura - I enjoyed all of our conversations and I am a better person having known you. Hugs to your Father!
Iron Sister's for Eternity =ª=œ=ª
Dawn Principe Moser
January 31, 2021
I Am Missing You!!! I usually reach out to you right about now✝✝✝ May You Be at Peace Now! Throwing Up some Hugs...make sure You Catch!
Dawn Principe Moser
January 31, 2021
Rest in Paradise My Dear Friend Spirit Sister as You would call Us. You are now Reunited with Dearest to your Heart...Your Brother Glenn, Daddy & Mommy. My Daddy & Mommy there too in Heaven. My Daddy's passing Anniversary is today January 31, 2003 You are all up there meeting. How Awesome. Say Hello for me Sis Laura. Oh How I Miss You. My Heart Aches. I know You are in a Much Better place with Our Heavenly Father & one day I shall finally meet. I was so looking forward in seeing you for My visit for my Birthday Month in Oct I will Always Cherish many of our Conversations.. The Sad, The Funny, The Everything & Anything. Loved your stories & crazy pranks, the videos with David. David, Maria & Andy & I will stay connected because of You Laura Angel. You & I had so much in Common. Most of all Our Passion for Animals Indeed. Keep Dancing & Singing Beautiful Angel. I LOVE YOU. MY HEART GOES OUT TO SON RICHARD. HUGS. WE ARE HERE FOR YOUR SON LAURA TOO. YOU RAISED AN INCREDIBLE SON. SENDING HUGS & KISSES TO SILLY JERZY KITTY..I am sure Jerzy is ok.Rest Ok...I could go on & on but I want you to know
There are no gGoodbyes for Us. Yup, not saying Goodbye Laura because Wherever You Are & I know where You Are... You will Always Be in My ❤
✝✝✝
Spirit Kindred Sister Dawn
Dania Dutra
January 30, 2021
Laura Bass , You will always be my Sunflower and my Wonder Woman,I will miss you so so much ,Love you with all my Heart Honey Bear, Love ❤Dania Dawn
heather baldwin
January 30, 2021
Laura , you were a special gift from God iam so very lucky to have had you in my life . You were a ray of sunshine , your laugh contagious most of all your big heart . You will be in my heart forever for all the kindness and love you gave me .
heather baldwin
January 30, 2021
Heather
Pamela Liggitt
January 30, 2021
Richard, family and friends,
Praying for your peace and comfort ~ I’m going to miss her too.
Tracie Irick
January 30, 2021
To my dear friend, you were taken from us way to soon. We still had so such we wanted to do together. My heart is breaking but I take comfort in the fact that you're with your dear father now. Tonight race is for you my friend you always wanted to race with me well tonight this ones for you You were such a beautiful soul.
I love and miss you Laura.
Tracie Irick
January 30, 2021
You were such a beautiful soul! The people that called you there friend are very lucky to have had the opportunity to know you and to love you. I try to take comfort in the fact you've been reunited with your dear father. You were taken from us way to soon. Gone but never forgotten. Tonight we race for you my friend
Ed Mayer
January 30, 2021
My condolences. You will be in our prayers.
Laura ~ as profoundly sad as I am to hear of your passing, I can only take comfort that you, Glenn, your grandmother and parents are all together in heaven, rejoicing and joking around again. You all are very special to me and I have never forgotten the l
Julie Biondi
January 29, 2021
Laura ~ as profoundly sad as I am to hear of your passing, I can only take comfort that you, Glenn, your grandmother and parents are all together in heaven, rejoicing and joking around again. You all are very special to me and I have never forgotten the laughs and joy we shared. You are and always will be one of a kind `~ a rare beauty with incredible passion in whatever you chose to do! Death is not the final word, it is not the end, it is physical loss and I know I will see you all again. Rest now and may you be at peace.
Sharee Asch
January 29, 2021
My heart breaks and goes out to her friends and family... an earth angel gone too soon..RIP my friend..u will surely be missed
karen dyrness
January 29, 2021
Almost 38 years ago, we met and became fast friends. While we lost touch at times during our adult life, our recent reconnection in January was like no time had ever passed. Your beauty was both inside and out and your love of animals was exceptional. Your son was the light of your life and my heart and prayers go out to him. May you be at peace with Glenn and your parents in God's kingdom.
Trish Sherm Abramson
January 29, 2021
Laura - I will treasure our memories and our last conversation. I will miss you dearly, you were always more of a sister than a friend. You were such a beautiful person inside and out. I loved your feisty spirit, I loved your love of animals - who knew you were a camel whisperer! I will carry you in my heart forever. Rest in peace my angel.
Judi DeFrance
January 28, 2021
Laura, I am so grateful to have known you and called you friend. We had so many laughs and inside jokes. I will forever cherish our talks from kids, fitness, animals to baking. The Fake Icing' lol.just one of many laughs we had❤ You are one of the most caring people I know. Richard, you were her everything!!! Rest easy now sweet friend. I'll miss you forever.
Misty Coley
January 27, 2021
Laura you were an incredible friend to me and so many others. Your laughter and your smile was so contagious and I will miss them both. All of our talks about your Richard and my boys I will remember forever. My boys will always remember you as “Moms Camel Friend” Gone way to soon my sweet friend.
Charles Heckel
January 27, 2021
So many memories with Laura. Reflecting, I feel blessed to have shared some incredibly fun times that will always offer me a smile. Your spirit truly was one of a kind. I love how it seamlessly reconnected myself, my mother and my brother with the inner "kid" in ourselves. You've brought so much love and joy in our lives, and you will always be family to us. You'll be missed more than I will ever be able to express in words, and you'll also be in our hearts forever. ❤
Donald Rinaldo
January 26, 2021
Laura- always to me a sister, and gone far too soon. We had so many more things to do together. I will love and miss her always.
Sylvia Toyos
January 27, 2021
My dearest and beautiful Laura, you will always be loved and mean so much. Never to be forgotten. Rest in peace.- Sylvia E. Toyos Freitag
Kelly Fallone
January 27, 2021
I am so sorry to hear this news. We also just found out that Marion passes away on September. My mom Angela Byrne taught with Marion in Westfield ans Roselle Park. I have many fond memories of Laura and I growing up together at her house in Moutainside, and at the house in the poconos. We had no idea of Marions passing, she used to be in my moms redhead group. We are so sorry for all your the great loss your family has suffered. Is there someone we can contact?
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