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Laura Shakun Obituary
Laura Hashim Shakun (32) Artist, Writer, Poet died Sunday, August 17, 2008.
The cause was suicide. Laura battled schizo-affective disorder for 11 years. Despite being afflicted with this brutal illness, Laura went on to earn a B.A. Degree in the History & Theory of Art at the University of Kent, Canterbury, England. Prior to Kent, Laura attended Proctor Academy in New Hampshire, St. Columba's College in Ireland, and The Fleming School in Manhattan. Laura was also a gifted athlete having thrived at swimming when she was at Fleming and cycling when she was at Proctor Academy. Laura was also an excellent equestrenne.
Laura was a published poet, a gifted artist and fashion photographer. Laura was also a burgeoning singer and had recently been invited to join the Holy Name Church Choir at 96th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
Laura was a devout Catholic and a flawless human being who bore her cross with grace, dignity and courage. Laura was a larger-than-life character and everyone who encountered her instantly fell in love with her for her indomitable sunny disposition, her unique and whimsical sense of humor and her respect for all whom she encountered. Laura was as tough as a warrior but had a rare depth and sensitivity that enabled her to create beautiful award-winning poetry and short stories that were tinged with magic and spirituality.
Laura's unyielding faith in God and her noble acceptance of her illness made her particularly aware of and compassionate towards the sufferings of the sick and the needy. Amongst the copious volumes of poetry that she left is the following heartfelt declaration: "I want to help the poor and the sick in the world. These are the reasons I want this: So people don't have to suffer like I did; to heal the world; to invent vitamins that will heal the sick." Laura never complained that she suffered with this brutal illness and her life is a lesson in living to one's own tune, to courage in battle and loving humanity.
Laura's first published poem was entitled, "The Journey"
Valuable time passing
unrelentlessly
Seeing beyond
The days
Youth turning to age
A wrinkle scars the
face of time
The incident refuses
to accept it
And now passengers
wait to release
their seat belts
to enjoy what they
have missed
Your life is yours
and you
Receive it as you
wish
And others time gets
Laura is survived by her mother Mary, her sister Sonya, her brother Wally and her sister-in-law Svetlana. A memorial service will be held later in the year to celebrate Laura's short but meaningful life.
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Patricia Stareck
August 22, 2023
I only met Laura once, but I was very impressed by her spirituality. She was so deeply and unabashedly connected to God.
She was also a very gracious hostess, and a wonderful cook!
Natalia
August 22, 2023
My deepest sympathies to Laura´s family!
Will always remember my dear university friend, who sadly left our world too early...
Isabelle Hewson
July 30, 2009
Laura will forever be my dear friend, as I will always have the fondest memories of her. She was a truly wonderful person!!!
Laura Hills
November 18, 2008
Dear Mary,
My deepest condolences at the loss of Laura. May her beautiful spirit be with you always. I believe the love you shared will live on.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Tayo Olumegbon
October 27, 2008
Dear Mary, Sonya and Wally,
I knew Laura at Kent University between the years of 2000 and 2003. I remember that I didnt really know many people when I first started, I was feeling so alone and contemplating changing Uni's. When I met Laura she made things so much better..she was always inviting me to go out for a coffee or lunch and introduced me to others which also made me change my mind about staying. The last time I heard from Laura was when she was in London a few years ago..we never did get to meet up and I so regret that now.
Laura made a difference in the lives of others and will be truely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
Aleta LaFargue
October 15, 2008
I haven't seen Laura for at least 15 years but I never forgot her. We went to fleming together and I will always remember her sweet spirit. I will pray for her and your family. Also to Wally, you are in my thoughts.
Sheila Spelman O'Connor
September 23, 2008
To Mary, Sonya, Wally and Svetlana.
Earth has boundaries of territory and time,
limits of vision and understanding.
ETERNITY has no Customs Post:
its frontier beyond forever;
its harbour safe in storm and tempest;
its peace beyond our comprehension.
This now is Laura's homeland -
A little brighter for her smile;
More happy for the kindness residing in her eyes;
The beauty of her spirit now in perfect light.
May she rest in peace.
You and Laura are in our thoughts and prayers.
From cousin Sheila Spelman O'Connor, Husband Frank and our extended family.
Tralee,
Ireland
Sarah Seigne
September 15, 2008
Laura and I were friends in our Saint Columbas days.
My sister and I have many fond school memories of Laura.
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss.
Sarah and Cha Cha Seigne, Ireland.
Valerie Beale
September 9, 2008
Dear Mary, Sonya and Wally,
I am so very sorry to hear about Laura. I, too, remember her beautiful smile that made the day seem bright even on the darkest day.
If you find that you miss me,
Always look at the sun that rises in the morning
And the moon that rises in the evening.
Whatever the time, I will be reflected in the sun and the moon.
And let us meet in our next life.
Love, Valerie
Geraldine Molloy
September 5, 2008
Mary, Sonya, Wally and Svetlana, regretfully I knew Laura for such a short time. But on the occasions I was with her she always gave of herself by taking such an interest in our conversations and she was always able to bring a smile and a laugh to the situation. She was a very special person and she will be greatly missed.
Deepest sympathy
Love Geraldine
Geraldine Molloy
September 5, 2008
Laura, regretfully I knew you for such a short time. But on the occasions we were together you always gave of yourself by taking such an interest in our conversations and you were always able to bring a smile and laugh to the situation. You were a very special person and you will be greatly missed.
Deepest sympathy to Mary, Sonya, Wally and Svetlana
Love Geraldine
Betty Robles
September 4, 2008
Dear Mary
I am so sorry to hear about your beloved daughter Laura. I believe she is now living happily and pain free in the comforting presence of God. My prayers are with you and your family that he may bring you comfort and consolation at this very difficult time.
Mary Biro
September 4, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. Death is something I will never understand. Just know that our loved ones will always be in our hearts ~~ forever. God please watch over our beloved ones and keep them safe.
Stacey Mullane
September 4, 2008
Mary,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers as well as Laura.
Tyrone Turner
September 4, 2008
Mary, so sorry to here about the Laura. I remember the lovely smile that she would greet me with when she visited the office. I will be praying for your family's comfort.
~Tyrone Turner
Sarah Parker
September 4, 2008
Dear Sonya and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Mary Frye 1932
All my love,
Sarah x
Natalia Tchenskaya
September 3, 2008
Dear Mary, Sonya, Wally and Svetlana,
When I heard of your loss my heart was broken..
I met with Laura at Kent University and the time I spent in her company was always joyous and happy. Laura was a wonderful and unique girl with a very kind heart and beautiful mind. What a terrible loss it is for all of us! I will always remember her as one of the greatest people that I came across in my life.
Please accept my deepest sympathies, you are in my prayers and thoughts.
Judith McGroggan
September 3, 2008
Dear Mary,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much Laura meant to you and I am praying for you. She was a very sweet girl and very loving. May you find peace soon.
Judy McGroggan (Lovells/NY)
September 3, 2008
Dear Sonia,
I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you find the strength to deal with your loss. My prayers are with you and your family in this trying time.
Asma Salman (Bahrain)
Roy - M Martens
September 3, 2008
Dear Mary and Sonya,
my deepest condolences and thank you for sharing her poetry
Roy
Liliana Meza
September 2, 2008
Dear Mary:
With deepest sympathy to you and your family at this sad time. May love surround you today and give you hope for tomorrow.
Deirdre O'Donnell
September 2, 2008
Dear Mary,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Deirdre O'Donnell
Nazanin Lankarani
August 31, 2008
Dear Laura,
I hope you have found your peace now. I will remember you with fondness.
Love,
Nazanin
Patricia Stareck
August 31, 2008
oh Laura,
You released your seat belt far too soon,
it might seem to those left behind.
But your sacred spirit imparted such gifts
that you’re always here to nourish and guide!
It will take me at least a lifetime to catch up to you. Thank you for the blessing of knowing you, Dear Friend!
All the best in your new Home!
with friendship, love and singing to you,
Davina
August 29, 2008
....like a Butterfly, you are.....
Sonya Shaykhoun
August 29, 2008
Laura,
I cannot believe you're gone from this earth - you were my best friend, my soul sister and the only person who could make me belly laugh. I adore you and I will always adore you for ever. You were the best sissy in the entire world, even if I had a million sisters, you would always be the best one. I love you so much, Pookie. I hope you are at peace now.
Joanne Cocozziello
August 29, 2008
She was a beautiful soul!
Mary Shakun
August 29, 2008
Laura, there are no words in the Penguin dictionary to describe my feelings of loss for you, my precious Princess. I hope you find the happiness in Heaven that you never found on earth. I love you always.
Mom
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