JUDGE LAUREL BABERO

JUDGE LAUREL BABERO Laurel Elizabeth Davis Babero left us November 19, 2018. Laurel grew up in the small town of Milford, Utah, surrounded by a loving family and friends. She was always at the top of her class, and graduated high school at the age of 17. She began her college career at SUU in Cedar City, Utah as a sophomore. Laurel moved to Las Vegas ready to soar and to do her best whether it was great achievement or great adventure! Laurel worked to put herself through college and law school, receiving her B.S. in Hotel Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1983, and her JD, magna cum laude, from the University Of San Diego School Of Law in 1987. After externing for Bankruptcy Judge Louise DeCarl (Malugen) Adler, Laurel was a highly successful bankruptcy attorney, serving as a partner at the law firm of Lionel, Sawyer and Collins, where she practiced from 1994 to 2007, and a partner and director at Fennemore Craig until her promotion to the bench. She has served as a highly respected and admired United States Bankruptcy Judge since 2013. Laurel was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Jack and Betty Davis; and brother, Courtney John Davis. She is survived by her loving husband, Andras F. Babero; stepchildren, Alejandro Z. Babero, Raquel Gabriela Babero, and Anthony Michael Carleo; her devoted sister, Ruth Ann Smith (her husband, Russell, and their children Haily, Kara, Annie and MaCall); brother, Curtis J. Davis (his wife, Shirley, and their children Marjorie, Holly, Joseph, Ryan, Christen and Jennifer); as well as her adored grandnieces and nephews. Her extended family included not only relatives, but her court family and many, many friends. She was also a devoted and doting mother to her four-legged children, who brought her a great deal of happiness. Laurel was dedicated to her community. During her years of private practice, she volunteered countless hours to the community, including her work with Legal Aid of Southern Nevada, the American Diabetes Association, AFAN (Aid for Aids of Nevada), Habitat for Humanity, and the American Heart Association. Laurel loved to travel and was an avid photographer, chronicling her many trips to Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe, but especially her treasured Hawaii. She attended many plays, concerts (especially Bon Jovi) and dinners with friends and family. She particularly enjoyed officiating at weddings and new citizen ceremonies. Laurel left an imprint on everyone she met and was loved by all who knew her. She will be most remembered for her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, kindness, generosity, and keen intellect. She was a beautiful soul who left us much too soon and will be greatly missed by those fortunate enough to have had her in their lives. Private funeral services will be held in Hawaii. To learn about her favorite charity, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, visit bestfriends.org.