Laurie Ruel

Laurie Lewis Ruel, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend, passed along peacefully on October 13. She was 63. We will forever remember her infectious laughter, a sound that brought so much joy to our lives.

Despite a terminal cancer diagnosis in mid-July, Laurie stayed true to herself. A perpetual optimist, she spent her final months reassuring others that "all's well," and that she wasn't afraid. Having always been a caregiver, she actively resisted her role as patient. Her courage and strength were inspiring, but not surprising.

Born March 7, 1962, Laurie spent her earliest years living overseas, the fifth of seven siblings. Her experiences as a traveler shaped her worldview; she was open, compassionate, and curious. She met some of her favorite people when she wandered, whether those trips included adventures abroad or short escapes to local cafes and shops. She was open and friendly, often bonding quickly with kindred spirits. She was many things: a quintessential caregiver, a generous friend and family member, and someone with a keen aesthetic sense, evident both in her sense of style and in her remarkable ability to create gorgeous living spaces.

Her life trajectory took her from the Middle East to New England and into the midwestern United States. Despite her deep love for Ann Arbor, MI, she relocated to Bethesda, MD, to be closer to her two sons, Ian and Gabe. As she moved, she shared her spirit and kindness with many, always opting to engage actively in the community. During her time in Ohio, she led a support group for families of those living with Alzheimer's, and she devoted herself to assisting displaced Syrian refugees by volunteering with World Relief. Laurie pursued various interests, such as yoga, massage therapy, Essentrics, Zumba, and birth doula training. In both Ann Arbor and Bethesda, she worked as a teaching assistant at the local Waldorf School.

Her greatest impact, however, is best defined by her role as devoted wife and mother. She met her husband Brian in college (at the University of New Hampshire), and together they set out on a remarkable journey that lasted more than 40 years. They raised two amazing sons. While Brian frequently traveled the globe on business, Laurie did what it took to ensure that her nuclear family was nurtured and healthy, a mindset that continued long after she was an empty nester. She cherished the opportunity to care for her boys, and she did it with warmth and tenderness, while raising them to be kind and thoughtful. When she welcomed her daughter-in-law, Marian, and two grandsons, Luca and Nico, she enthusiastically opened her heart to them as well.

In addition to Brian, Ian, Gabe, Marian, Luca, and Nico, Laurie leaves behind six siblings, six siblings-in-law, and 21 nieces and nephews, all of whom cherished and admired her. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, James and Jacqueline Lewis.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at The Virginia Mae Center at Washington National Cathedral on November 8. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an international relief organization of your choosing.

The family acknowledges deep appreciation for JSSA of Montgomery County for extraordinary hospice care in recent months.