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Laurel Harris Obituary

Laurel Harris, 53, of Los Osos, passed away peacefully Friday, April 6, 2012. Born in Los Angeles, she graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 1976. She graduated from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pa., with degrees in Theatre/Voice and Communication. Laurel was known for her magnificent soprano voice, her faith and gracious spirit. As a professional singer, she studied with Earle Blakeslee, having won the Monday Club Scholarship in 1981, directed musicals for PLOT and sang with Pacific Repertory Opera and Master Choral. She used her gift of music in many local churches and charity events and worked for Hospice Partners of the Central Coast as a Music Therapist. She worked in TV and film on the east coast and in Hollywood as an actress, and used her technical skills with Matrix Mobile Television and Cal Poly Performing Arts. Laurel is survived by her husband, Rich Harris; son, Cory Staats (Cynthia); daughters Alaire Olivas (Jamie) and Cally Staats; granddaughters Emily and Violet Olivas; brothers Steve Davis (Kirsten) and Brian Davis (Bonnie); sister, Erin Dewegeli; nephews Jason Davis (Crystal), Joshua Davis and David Paine; niece, Shonna Davis; and parents, Gene and Judy Heiney. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to The Arroyo Grande High School Choir or Hospice Partners of the Central Coast.

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

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Apr. 11, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Paul Boyko

April 29, 2012

"God has another beautiful flower in His bouquet." May the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit be upon all of Laurel's family and loved ones.

Angela Claiborne

April 27, 2012

I knew Laurel in Bakersfield and for the last year here in Arroyo Grande. She was very talented but you'd never hear her brag about her accomplishments but she bragged a lot about her kids. What a sweet spirit she was and full of grace. I'm so sorry for this great loss to her family. Hold tight to your memories.

Eli (Kalani) Ku

April 19, 2012

We are so sorry that our cousin is gone to sit beside our Lord and see many of our loved ones that have made the journey there. My family knows she is at peace and free of all the pain.

Marcia Carter

April 18, 2012

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. As a young girl when I knew her, she was a stand-out. Few could match her vivacity, lovely demeanor and crystal ideas. May her successful life inspire others.

marilyn moore

April 12, 2012

My sympathies to Laurel's family for their loss. As I read the tribute to her I was astonished to learn that she was a Cedar Crest graduate. I was, too, and have lived in Los Osos for almost 32 years and never knew that a sister graduate lived close by. I was in the class of 1951. I'm very sorry that we never met. Marilyn Moore

Nicki Edwards

April 12, 2012

It was such a joy singing with Laurel in Canzona. My sympathy to her family.

Derrick Lavoie

April 12, 2012

Laurel was a special caring individual who enriched the lives of many. I knew her in high school as the sister of my friend Steve. She will be missed in countless ways.

Jan Evans

April 11, 2012

Laurel, my best friend in high school. My life is better because of you. Thank you for enriching mine as well as countless other lives that you touched in your short time here. God bless your family that loved you so much.

Margaret Gibson

April 11, 2012

To my dearest niece and only godchild. Thank you for sharing our special time together in Hawaii. We will miss you laughing spirt that lifted us all. Aloha Nui Loa

Kent Unsworth

April 11, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. I enjoyed working with Laurel in the FUMCAG Choir and in PLOT. She touched my life with her musical gifts. May God keep her in his care.

Sharyn Young

April 11, 2012

Rich, we will always remember the great joy Laurel brought us, both in her magnificent voice, and in the gracious and courageous way she faced life. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you.

Mary Ranelletti

April 11, 2012

To my dear friend and soprano "sister",
Remembered always for your sincere heart, pure voice, and loving ways. May your spirit forever live in God's choir.

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