Laura Lynn "Andrews" Livingston

Laura's radiant smile lit up every room she walked into, her voice resonating in ears near and far, her love and protection always surrounding those she treasured. She was one-of-a-kind in all the best ways. A natural caretaker, Laura was always the first person to bring over a hot meal, lend a listening ear, or a shoulder to cry on. She was a pillar in so many communities. Laura navigated life with a vibrant beauty, strength, and heart full of love, ensuring that all who walked through life with her felt her ever-present compassion and support. Whether it was sending a handwritten card just to say she was thinking about you, a call or text after work to see how your day was, or a quick visit to say she was here, Laura cared. She always went the extra mile and took time to notice all the small details so often overlooked. She moved through life fiercely and with a presence that will never be forgotten.

Laura Lynn (Andrews) Livingston was born on December 21,1968 in Chicago, Illinois, to her parents Linda Talkington and Frank Andrews. Laura grew up in the Muskegon, Michigan area and graduated from Mona Shores High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Grand Valley State University in Communications and Marketing and later returned to school and received her teaching certificate as an early childhood teacher.

Laura met her husband, Bob, in 1991, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, while advocating for a local drug rehabilitation group. After two years of countless hot cocoa dates, lunches, racquetball games, and deep connections as best friends, Laura and Bob married in 1993.

The couple made their home in Lowell, Michigan, where in 1997, they welcomed their beautiful and beloved daughter, Madeleine, into the world. Laura was so proud to become a mother and loved Madeleine so deeply. In the summer of 1997, Laura, Bob, and Madeleine moved to Ann Arbor, where Bob accepted the Senior Minister role at The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor.

Laura, Bob, and Madeleine put down deep roots in Ann Arbor, where Laura quickly became friends with so many of her neighbors who lived around her. She loved planning and hosting their annual Christmas party for the entire neighborhood (which only grew throughout the years), their morning pancake brunches in the summer…helping to create a vibrant neighborhood community.

Laura took great pride in her many roles in Ann Arbor. Supporting her husband, Bob, in his position at The First Congregational Church, Laura was often referred to as "the mother of the church," a title which she wore as a badge of honor. She touched the lives of so many during her 25 years at FCC and through her 22 years of dedicated service at the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop.

Family was at the heart of everything Laura did. She treasured their yearly trips to Montana, hiking alongside her husband on their favorite trails. In more recent years, Laura and Bob went on countless trips, exploring new and old favorite places together. Laura was always up for an adventure. In her junior year of high school, Laura was an exchange student for a year in Zimbabwe, Africa. Treasuring so many memories from her time there, in 2019, Laura and her family traveled back to Africa to relive some of these wonderful experiences and created so many new ones in the process.

Laura welcomed so many into her home. She loved to host dinner parties…spending hours cooking, arranging the table, and creating the most beautiful centerpieces. Every detail mattered to Laura. She made sure you felt special and cared for in her presence.

Laura never missed an opportunity to tell you she loved you. Her spirit and her lasting impact on those around her will forever hold a great depth and beauty for the care she showed the world.

Laura passed away on March 24, 2026 at the age of 57, following an accident in her home.

Laura is survived by her husband, companion, and partner of almost 33 years, Bob; her beloved and cherished daughter, Madeleine; her wonderful step-sons Nathan (Heather) and Jack; her younger brother, Douglas (Christy), her dear sisters-in-law, Patricia, Debra, and Susan (John); and her "adopted family," Jack Chisholm and Scott and Sheri Chisholm; along with a handful of nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many other special friends and neighbors. Laura's life was blessed by her wonderful relationships.

Laura was preceded in death by her "best friend" grandmother, Lois Quick; her grandfather, Edwin Quick; her adored mother, Linda Talkington; her step-father, Larry Talkington; and her father, Frank Andrews; along with other precious family members.

A memorial gathering with Laura's family will be held on Friday, April 3, from 4 – 7pm, at the Nie Funeral Home, 3767 Liberty Road, Ann Arbor, MI. A service of celebration and remembrance for Laura will be held on Saturday, April 4, at 11am at The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, located at the corner of State and Williams Street. A reception will follow at the church.

A live-stream presentation of the memorial service can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/@FCCA2/streams..

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Laura's memory to The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor or The Ann Arbor Thrift Shop.