Laura Drazin Boyes

March 6, 1953 - March 31, 2025

Durham, North Carolina - Laura Drazin Boyes passed peacefully March 31 2025. Laura was born March 6, 1953 in Cleveland Ohio to Sydney and Edith (Matlow) Drazin.

She earned a BFA from the University of Cincinnati, graduating in 1975. During that time she was the UC film society chairman. After graduation she met her beloved husband William Karr Boyes. They were married on July 7, 1979 in Cincinnati and moved to Durham NC in 1984.

Laura created a custom dress making business in Durham specializing in vintage wedding gowns. Over the course of 40 years she helped many brides look their best. Their daughter Adrian Drazin Boyes was born March 21, 1989.

In 1999, Laura became the North Carolina Museum of Art film curator in Raleigh. Over the next 20 years she selected and introduced a wide range of films that brought joy to the Triangle movie fans.

Laura was on the selection committee of the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival for 18 years and co-hosted Movies on the Radio on WUNC. Laura continued her Moviediva Film Series at the Carolina Theater in Durham. Laura's extensive film notes are available at www.moviediva.com.

She is survived by her wonderful husband Will, dear brother David, her amazing daughter Adrian.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers to make a donation to the Carolina Theater of Durham in her name. A memorial will take place at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer from Apr. 2 to Apr. 6, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Laura Boyes

Sponsored by American Cremation & Funeral Service.

12 Entries

Carolyn London

May 18, 2025

She was a special person and helped so many people. She will be greatly missed

Jennifer Donner

April 22, 2025

I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Laura. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by so many. Adrian, I have been thinking about you and am sending hugs.

Gwen Finegan

April 20, 2025

In the 1970s Laura and I were both working temporarily as secretaries at Cincinnati General Hospital and University of Cincinnati Medical Center. We were the only employees wearing vintage fashions, back in the day when you could still score a 1940s bias-cut silk gown. We bonded over movies, writing, and fashion. In 2017 she saw on FB that I was posting NY photos and we arranged to get together for a meal with Adrian. This is a photo from that day. Although it was the last time I saw her in person, we remained dedicated pen pals. I still own the tiny Hawaiian shirt (homage to Will) that she made for my first baby boy. What a vacuum she leaves behind.

Ralph Froehlich & Linda Morken Froehlich

April 20, 2025

Laura was always a bright note on dismal work days at UC, and has been a great friend of ours. She and Will held memorable dance parties in Cincinnati (at least, I remember them vividly) and were my introduction to TUVAN music. She will be missed sorely on this sunny spring day.
Our deepest sympathy goes to Will and Adrian.

Jennifer Phelan

April 18, 2025

I love old movies, but until I met Laura I never realized how much I didn´t know. She was a true educator. She welcomed everyone. Also, OMG her beautiful dresses - they had pockets! Women of my age have children getting married and all of their dresses have effing pockets and tell me that Laura didn´t have anything to do with it. I dare you.

Linda Watson

April 6, 2025

Laura was unswervingly herself, more open to experience and joy than anyone I´ve ever met. We´ve been friends ever since she and Will moved almost next door in Raleigh, just before they moved to Durham. What fortune! She was a true friend, there in good times and bad. I´m remembering so much right now, including her eclectic mixtapes, discussing ADF performances on the lawn at Duke, her witty and well-researched film introductions, and her deep love for Will and Adrian. Laura made life better for so many people, even those who never met her in person. She will be remembered and missed.

Ruth Bardon

April 6, 2025

My heart goes out to Will and Adrian. Laura was my friend for 36 years. She comforted me, supported me, and inspired me. I will miss her tremendously.

James and Norleen Hoadley

April 6, 2025

Jim and I have known Laura and Will since grad school in Cincinnati and shared in their wedding celebration. Left us too soon. Our deepest sympathies.

Melissa Dollman & Devin Orgeron

April 6, 2025

We are gutted to read about Laura´s passing this morning. Laura was good people and we´ll miss her.

Frank Stasio

April 6, 2025

Dear Laura, your keen wit and deep knowledge helped make Movies on the Radio the most memorable feature of The State Of Things. As a colleague you were invaluable. As a friend, you are irreplaceable. You are in our hearts forever. Thank you for your everlasting gifts.

Karen Schmelzer

April 6, 2025

I met Laura not long after she moved to the area. After such a long friendship, it is hard to think of one memory. Sharing Christmas with our families, poking around antique and vintage stores and having lunch on the back porch that she loved. I´m not sure I have ever known a more multi-talented person. And she shared her talents with all of us. I was blessed to call her a friend. Will and Adrian, thank you for your loving care. We will share our memories of her to keep her alive in our hearts.

Roberta Wallace

April 5, 2025

Laura (and Adrian) helped Anna´s wedding dress dream come true. Years of friendship are treasures that shine forever in our hearts. We are sorry for the family´s loss.

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