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JULIA LAUFENBERG Obituary
Julia Anna Laufenberg, 49, of Mount Vernon, passed away peacefully in her home while surrounded by loved ones on July 23rd after a decade long fight. She was first diagnosed with brain cancer in October 2005 and courageously battled the first tumor into remission. She was able to live a full happy life for the next 9 years.
She was born on September 14th, 1965 in Moses Lake, WA. Julia graduated from Othello High School in 1983 then moved to La Conner, WA where she met and married the love of her life, Peter Laufenberg and celebrated 27 years of marriage together.
Julia and Peter moved to Mount Vernon to raise their two children. She was a devoted stay at home mom who never missed an opportunity to attend a piano lesson, sporting event, monitor school work or go to a nearby Aerosmith concert.
When her children got older Julia went to work for the Mount Vernon School District. She was well known for her smile and sense of humor as well as her strong work ethic.
Julia was also a grateful member of a 12 step recovery program that saved her life and allowed her to be the wife, mother, daughter, friend, and sister she wanted to be. She celebrated 24 years clean and sober in April 7th, 2015. Her home group was Bladerunners for 26 years where she gave back to that program by doing service work at her home group, district and area levels. She went to hospitals and institutions and carried the message of hope, faith, and courage. She facilitated 12 step workshops for men and women to teach the steps and devoted her time to many one-on-one sponsees. She is an inspiration and a shining example of what the program represents.
Julia was preceded in death by her father Frank Kennelly.
She is survived by her mother Gloria (Gary) Kanenwisher, her husband Peter Laufenberg, daughter Bailey (Brandon) Laufenberg, son Dominic, sister Coleen (Stan) Wade, brother Michael Kennelly, step-sister Patty Kanenwisher, step-brother Glenn (Lori) Kanenwisher, granddaughter Randi Lowe, many aunts and uncles including Aunt Jessica (Bob) Jahns, numerous nieces and nephews and best friend Marla Jo (Frank) Jones.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 28th 2015 at 12:15 pm, Immaculate Conception Church 400 N. 15th St. Mount Vernon, WA 98274, followed by a burial at Mount Vernon Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life at the St. Joseph's Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JULIA LAUFENBERG
Michele Davis
July 31, 2015
Prayers & Peace To All of You
July 29, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
July 29, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. Julia was a lovely woman in so many ways.
Vicki Semrau
janis
July 28, 2015
I am so saddened by the loss of this wonderful woman. Julia walked into recovery, struggling and fighting like everyone does, until a light was lit within her and then she shared her heart and her understanding with anyone, anytime and in all the ways she knew best. She was a dynamo and her spirit will be missed greatly by all who knew her. Thank God we have learned that she lives forever in our hearts and we can always summon up her memory when we need her. She gave so much. What a bright light she was. RIP my friend. And my condolences to her family, for whom she lived and loved endlessly.
July 27, 2015
The loss of a child is something that can never be replaced. Blest is her mother, Gloria! May Julia rest in peace and may Gloria find peace!
Mary Susan Leahy (Concord, NH, and Borrego Springs, CA)
Patty Heigh
July 27, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 1979
Pam Staley (Bailey)
July 27, 2015
You will be dearly missed by so many. I was very blessed to call you one of my best friends growing up and I will remember the memories with lots of smiles and fun thoughts. My prayers to her family & friends during this time. You will never be forgotten my friend Julia.
July 27, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of one of my heroes. As Marcia put it so eloquently she was a core member of a group of women who showed suffering addicts that there is another way of life. Julia was more than inspirational to me she walked her talk and she would drive to anacortes after she worked at the school and meet me at the pizza place where we would read the big book together. What a bright shining star you are and always will be ....prayers to all of her family Lorinda Conley
Kim & Marvin Kerr
July 27, 2015
My heart goes out to all of Julia's family & friends. Julia was a strong & beautiful woman who will be greatly missed by all whoever new her. Rest now Julia your work is done here. Love you.
Trudi Sathern
July 26, 2015
Julia will never be forgotten she brought such a bright light wherever she wen. Thank you so much for sharing your life with me and many others. Love and prayers for your family. Love you Julia
Lori Frizzell
July 26, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Julia was a beautiful person and has a very special daughter and granddaughter that I am grateful to have met and love.
Valentina S
July 26, 2015
Dear Julia's family, thank you for sharing your beloved Julia with me and the many women in program whose lives she touched and enriched. She will be sorely missed. Her absence leaves a hole in my heart,which can only be softened by practicing the principals of the program that she knew and loved.♡
Betsy Deane
July 26, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go with this family and may their cherished memories bring peace to their lives at this sad loss. I am grateful this wonderful family has been part of my life. Bless you all and Julia you brought so much love and light into this world. Keep shining.
Marcia Kester
July 26, 2015
I first met Julia nearly 23 years ago when I came into recovery. I was struck by her inner and outer beauty and strength! She was part of a core group of women who led by example and taught recovery in the 12 steps at a depth that allowed me the life I enjoy today!
Julia, you walked your talk and I am forever grateful for your impact on my life and the lives of so many! Your legacy will live on for years to come!
Sending prayers of peace and comfort to your dear family and close friends.
Russell O'Dell
July 25, 2015
My prayers go out to all of the family. Julia you were one of those that showed me early there were smiles and laughs in recovery. I thank God our paths crossed and even tho today my heart cries you will be remembered with smiles. Love to all
Cynthia Hoff
July 25, 2015
Thank you for sharing your hope, faith and courage. You touched me. prayer of peace for all who knew you.
Stan & Judy Wade
July 25, 2015
Our condolences to Julia's family & friends. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Denise Manly
July 25, 2015
You will definitely be missed...thank you for being everything I hope to be one day!
Hillary and Michelle Joy
July 25, 2015
Our condolences to Julia's family - thoughts and prayers for each of you during this time...
Chantel Cabe
July 25, 2015
Thank you Julia, for all you did for me. You showed me life was worth really living you showed me how to really live. We worked steps together I will forever be better because I knew you! Thank you
Angrla Nelson
July 25, 2015
Julia was an amazing woman. I was very blessed to get the time I did with her, and loved taking the message of CA into the jail with her, as well as all the conversations we had and laughs. She was a huge part of the fellowship and an inspiration and great example and mentor to so many of us in the Valley. Thank you for sharing her with us all. Rest in Peace Julia..... You will be remembered with love
Debbie Ford
July 25, 2015
Deepest Sympathy
Mayke Brenna
July 25, 2015
Thinking of you all during this sad and difficult time. Julia was a great sister in law and a wonderful aunt to my children. Sending lots of love your way.
Chuck & Kerry Leatherman
July 25, 2015
With heavy hearts we send our thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time.
Mayke Brenna
July 25, 2015
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. She was a wonderful sister in law to me and a great aunt to my children. Sending lots of love your way.
July 25, 2015
I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember great visits with Julia. Her smile and laughter was the best! She will be missed greatly by many. My thoughts are with your family.
Mike Miller
July 25, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to Pete and the entire Laufenberg family.
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