Laura Kirsten Severson

Laura Kirsten Severson, age 63, of Olympia Fields, died unexpectedly September 30, 2022, following a courageous 6 ½ year battle with lung and brain cancer. She was born on October 25, 1958, in Jackson, Michigan, the precious daughter of Lois Anita (Kenyon) Severson and Richard Jon Severson (deceased). She was the beloved sister of Kara Leigh Severson. She is survived by her significant other, Michael Smith, his son – her "step-son" - Charles Smith and Michael's brother, Herman Smith. She was the beloved niece of Faye (Godmother) and Robert (deceased) Hinkle, Madge and Edward Rowden, Helen and Frank (deceased) Severson, and Harold and Darlene Severson. She is survived by loving cousins, Chris (Karen) Hinkle, Jeff (Jennifer) Hinkle, Noelle Cococcetta, Ed (Michelle) Rowden, Aimee (Martin) Clary, David (Godson) (Jessica) Rowden, Kathy (Bill) Houghton, Pat (Murray) Watkins, Janet (Jim) Popp, Judy (John) Seldin, Michael and Dale (Mia) Severson, Wendy (Tim) Keno, Rick (Shireen) and David (Debbie) Severson. She is also survived by younger cousins Andrew, Sara, Noah, Owen, Evan, Layne, Anabelle, Gabriel, Nathaniel, Benjamin, Gianna, Carmine, Gaetano, Angelina and relatives and friends too numerous to mention. She is pre-deceased by Grandparents Roy (Sadie) Kenyon, Harry (Agnes) Severson, Uncles Gordon and Don, Aunt Nancy March, Mark and Tom Severson. She is also pre-deceased by furry companions, Princess, Lucky, Tru, Monroe and Kennedy.

Laura, at an early age, was identified as having an exceptional mind. At age 8, she was referred to the Frick School at Carnegie Mellon Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she enjoyed studies, spiking a life-long love of learning. She continued academics in Olympia Fields, Illinois, in high school attending regular classes a half day, participating in ALPS (Alternative Learning Program School), a half day. ALPS was independent study. The first year of her independent study Laura chose to participate in working with children up to age 18 who had psychiatric problems and were currently under care at the Southwest Psychiatric Institute, Olympia Fields, Illinois. The following year Laura chose to participate in work with residents of Ludeman Center, Park Forest, Illinois, a residential facility for profoundly mentally challenged children ages up to 18. She was granted a full scholarship in Veterinarian Medicine at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Laura declined, accepting instead a full scholarship at the University of Chicago, Hyde Park, Illinois. She also worked part time at 2nd Hand Tunes, enhancing her love of music, initiating her extensive record collection. She studied languages - Spanish, Hebrew, and Chinese. Laura completed Emergency Medical Technician Certification and worked in the city of Chicago on ambulances for 3 years, leading to disenchantment with the medical field and overall health care services, particularly for those underprivileged. Subsequently, she transferred to the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, completing undergraduate work in Biological Sciences. Laura went on to graduate work in Triple E – Environment, Etiology and Ecology. She also worked with mentally challenged adults in a residential setting. This captured her passion. She returned to Hyde Park, Illinois, and began work for Trinity Services in Joliet, Illinois. As an Independent Living Coach, she was tasked with guiding mentally challenged adults in a residential setting in reaching their full potential, work dear to her heart. Health issues, diagnosed in May 2016, led to Laura's resignation after twenty-three years of service.

Laura was kindness personified! She loved everyone, never had an unkind word for anyone, always defended the underdog. Although an avid Cubs fan, if they were beating an opposing team by, say a score of 10-0, she would begin to root for the losing team, explaining she couldn't bear to see anyone lose like that!

Laura loved COFFEE, Kara, Mom, Michael. She loved mole' sauce, pickled herring, anything chocolate, especially dark chocolate stout, dark chocolate crème coffee. She loved nature, animals, books, music, hiking, gardening, Starbucks, concerts, zoos, museums, the 57th Street Bookstore. An avid reader, she left a huge book collection, leaving before having time to get them all read! "So many books, so little time"! Having legendary Kenyon and Severson musical blood, Laura played guitar and violin, enjoying a diversity of music - Beatles, Cold Play, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Patti Smith, Ralph McTell, the Mountain Goats. In her final days Laura found pleasure singing along with Ellyn, her music therapist, and occasionally singing the Cubs victory song along with Kara and Mom as she held Grover and Sally close.

Laura left memories of the manner in which she expressed herself –Laura-isms. Laura reminded everyone to comate' (translation-calm down); if something was lost Laura would say "nothing is ever lost, it is "somewhere". So, "comate"; Laura is not lost, she is "somewhere". Laura's ever-present smile, large, sparkling blue eyes, laughter and kindness, are missed by all.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service in celebration of Laura's life will be held at a later date yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Ingalls Developmental Foundation, Specifically Faye's Light, One Ingalls Drive, Harvey, Illinois; Imerman Angels (ImermanAngels.org); Garden of the Phoenix (https://www.gardenofthephoenix.org/foundation); South Suburban Humane Society (southsuburbanhumane.org); National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), would be appreciated.