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LAURIE WILLIAMS Obituary
Sept. 6, 1959 to Dec. 26, 2017
A memorial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 for Laurie Olive Williams, a singer and journalist who had just started work as a peer support specialist in Riverside. She died Dec. 26 from surgical complications after she broke her leg in a fall. She was 58. The service will be at First United Methodist Church of Riverside, 4845 Brockton Ave.,where she was a longtime member.
Born in Germany, she grew up in Riverside and graduated from Poly High in 1977. She continued her musical studies at RCC, Chapman College and CSU Northridge, singing with each school's elite ensemble.
She spent 30 years as a writer and copy editor at The Press-Enterprise, a copy editor at The San Bernardino Sun, and a freelance writer at the Redlands Daily Facts. She worked as a paralegal before training to work with people who need mental health support. She joined Recovery International as a peer support specialist four weeks before her death.
She was an avid reader, especially of science fiction and mysteries. She wrote poetry and fiction, loved creating parody lyrics and alter egos. She was shy, witty and absolutely charming.
She sang professionally as a soloist and in church choirs. Among her many choirs: the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Raincross Master Chorale, and the St. Margaret's Episcopal Church choir. She was a soloist during High Holy Days at Temple Sinai in Palm Desert. She was in the nun's chorus in a 2011 Performance Riverside production of Sound of Music.
She is survived by her mother, Pat Williams; two sisters: Kris Lovekin (Stephen) and Valerie Othon (Michael); two nieces and two nephews: Nick, India and Kate Lovekin and Alex Othon. Laurie's father, Richard Williams, died 20 years ago. She has a large extended family and many devoted friends who appreciate her wit, her empathy, her knowledge and her kindness.
In lieu of flowers at the memorial, the family requests donations to the scholarship fund of the Raincross Master Chorale. Mail donations to PO Box 20324 Riverside, CA 92516. The group's Evensong concert on Feb. 25 will be dedicated to Laurie's memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for LAURIE WILLIAMS
Sponsored by National Cremation Service - Riverside.
Betty White
November 13, 2018
Dear, dear, funny, smart, gorgeous singer......Laurie. I loved knowing you at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert. You were a light to all who knew you. I have missed you so.
Betty Monette White
January 13, 2018
My love and prayers surround the whole family. This obituary is a lovely tribute to an amazing woman.Peace, prayers and blessings. Joanna
Denise Parleman
January 12, 2018
Laurie and I crossed paths because singing with Kimberly Jeter-Hall is a joy that neither one of us would miss out on. Laurie's musical gifts and her generosity with those gifts were appreciated by all who were fortunate enough to share them. Bless her family and friends with good memories of life, love and laughter with her to help them through their sorrow.
Morris Maduro
January 7, 2018
Laurie was an amazing presence in the Raincross Chorale, and later, Raincross Master Chorale, in which she often sang solos. She will be dearly missed.
Karen Proctor
January 5, 2018
I always enjoyed having lunch with Laurie. She always had a way to make me feel good about myself. She sang at my wedding and her sisters sang as a trio at my mother's memorial service. Their voices will live in my memory forever. She is missed.
Wayne Abravanel
January 5, 2018
I had the pleasure to work with Laurie for several High Holy Days at Temple Sinai. Her voice and persona were both angelic. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Dolores,Dale Tucker
December 31, 2017
In remembrance of Laurie who was a gift in voice and personality. She is missed.
Linda Morgan
December 30, 2017
I am so saddened to hear that Laurie passed away unexpectedly. She was a wonderful person and singer. I greatly appreciated having the opportunity to sing with her in St. Margaret's choir and the High Holy Days at Temple Sinai. She will be sorely missed. .
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National Cremation Service - Riverside5955 Brockton Ave, Riverside, CA 92506
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