Laura Marie Walsh-Eskilson

Laura Marie Walsh-Eskilson of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, passed away after a yearlong battle with cancer on July 4, 2025.

Laura is deeply missed and mourned by her two beloved daughters, Megan and Annika Eskilson, her life partner of 17 years, Marc Woodcock, and the father of her two daughters, Philip Eskilson, as well as her two cherished cats Gemma and Georgie.

Born and raised in Darien, Illinois, Laura attended both St Mary Our Lady of Peace Catholic Grade School and Hinsdale South High School. She grew up alongside her older brother, Joey Walsh, and parents, Edwin and Delores A. Walsh. In her youth, she worked at her mother's local ice cream shop. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Marketing Degree from Lewis University in Illinois (1991). After graduating, she began working as an Account Manager for DANKA American Office Equipment, where she met Philip Eskilson and soon after moved to Glen Ellyn, Illinois (1997), where she would raise her two daughters.

A natural athlete and fierce competitor, Laura found joy and companionship through running. She met her life partner, Marc Woodcock, at a local health club, and together they trained and competed in various races. Laura also trained and raced with the Carol Stream Dick Pond Running Club. Among her proudest accomplishments was qualifying for and running the Boston Marathon in 2012 after completing the Chicago Marathon in 2011 (earning her personal best time of 3:43).

In 2015, Laura discovered her passion for helping and encouraging others by becoming a certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach at the YMCA (Glen Ellyn), receiving her certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

However, Laura's greatest passion was her beloved daughters. She enjoyed sharing her love for running while watching Megan compete on the Glenbard West Track Team. She made sure to never miss a volleyball game, no matter how far the drive, during the years Annika played for both travel and Glenbard West High School teams. She even drove across the country to pick up her oldest from school in California. There were few limits to the lengths Laura would go to for her girls.

In recent years, Laura worked as a Trade Sales Consultant for Pella and embraced her many hobbies: running, golfing, fishing, driving her Jeep, and photographing friendly wildlife. She especially enjoyed watching two squirrels, named Mary and Waverly, who visited her backyard daily for peanuts.

After being diagnosed and undergoing numerous cancer treatments, Laura passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family. During her resilient year-long battle, her family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers continuously supported her with medical care, meals, thoughts, and prayers. She was never once alone.

Laura is survived by her daughters, Megan and Annika Eskilson; her life partner, Marc Woodcock; the father of her daughters, Philip Eskilson; her lifelong friends Mary Blaney and Kim Emmett; countless friends from the Dick Pond Running Club; and her adored cats, Gemma and Georgie.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Delores A Walsh, and her brother, Joey Walsh.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Laura's honor on Sunday, July 20th from 12-6 pm at Shannon's Irish Pub (428 N Main St, Glen Ellyn). In honor of Laura's vibrant and unforgettable personality, her family encourages guests to wear casual, colorful clothing- running tights, golf gear, or anything that reminds you of her spirit.

In memory of Laura and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center.