Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Laura Wright Obituary
Laura Lynne Wright, 51 of Mt. Pleasant passed away on July 14, 2011, at Mid Michigan Medical Center in Midland with family and friends by her side.
A memorial service will be held in Mt. Pleasant on Saturday, July 23, 2011, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan at 2 p.m. with Dawn Williams officiating. Following the service there will be food and wine in celebration of Laura's life.
Laura was born on Feb. 2, 1960, in Alma, the daughter of Beverly Wright but was raised by her Aunt Bernice Wright and Grandma Helen Wright. She graduated from Alma High School in 1979 and went on to receive an associates degree in Elementary Education from Montcalm Community College and then pursued a major in Photography and Art History at CMU.
Laura enjoyed working as a photographer and political cartoonist for The Morning Sun before illness forced her early retirement. Previously she experienced several jobs including mortician's tech, carnie, band member, stand-up comedian, ventriloquist and gardener among many others. She once even opened for Willie Nelson. Laura always maintained her own business of airbrushing and silk screening and also used any of her other artistic talents like making jewelry when there was a customer with a need. After retirement she discovered a love of making wine and the wine labels for her wine. In additional to wine and art, Laura had a love for music, singing and playing several different instruments. She was a fabulous cook and conversationalist. Laura was a supporter of Art Reach and enjoyed teaching the children on Day with the Artist at the local elementary schools. Besides being a gifted artist, Laura was an animal lover, loving person and historian who was frequently referred to as a Walking Encyclopedia of Knowledge.
Laura is survived by Cathy, her loving wife of nearly 15 years and numerous friends. Laura was preceded in death by her mother, aunt and grandmother.
She was a loving devoted wife that will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Laura Wright
Sponsored by anonymous.
July 17, 2012
It has been a difficult year without you here.
August 17, 2011
I knew Laura from working at the Morning Sun. She was a hoot. She taught me things that I didn't know and for that i will always remember her. She will be deeply missed. Thoughts and prayers for you Cathy, family and friends.
Michelle Worthy
Dave Benzinger
July 28, 2011
I didn't know Laura all that well.....I do know that she made Cathy happy and for me.....That makes her "good people".
Cathy Benzinger
July 24, 2011
While driving back to Indiana after Laura's memorial service today I have had plenty of time to reflect on today's events. Like most of us I am angry at the unfairness of losing her after such a short time. Laura helped me become a better person while being with her. My heart yearns for the many more years that most couples get to share.
Too many times a spouse will pass on before their mate realizes what they had. Not me, I always realized that I had my soul mate, my other half, my best friend and never wanted to let her go. The hardest time in my life was letting her go; holding her hand, kissing her forehead and then my lips were whispering that is was okay for her to leave me and go to God, to see her mom, Aunt Bernice, Grandma Helen while the whole time my heart was screaming out in pain, wishing it did not have to be this way. Knowing i had to let her go, hating the cancer for taking her life away. Knowing she was about to go away from me and understanding she would not be coming back. Knowing there would be no reason for me to go on without her. Why do other couples get to share 50+ years together while we only had 15?
Over the last few days I have read each entry in this guest book multiple times, gaining information about Laura through the eyes of her previous classmates, friends, co-workers and favorite teacher. Feeling closer to Laura while reading your entries. Today was wonderful as each person shared their stories about their relationship with Laura, all great stories and many were funny and I had to laugh. We shared laughs today, we shared a hug, we shared tears and most importantly you all shared Laura with me. It warmed my heart and caused me to miss her even more while helping me feel closer yet to her. An mixture of emotions. I was blessed by meeting Laura's friends that I had only heard about from Laura before. The only way today could have been better was if Laura was there in person instead of in spirit.
I will never be able to thank you enough for being there today and/or sharing in this guest book. There will always be a special place in my heart for anyone who loved Laura.
Dawn Daniels, God has given you a great gift, please continue sharing it. You spent many hours learning about Laura, listening to the many stories her friends shared with you. You obviously listened and took each word to heart and understood our deep loss of a wonderful person, devoted wife, special friend and confidant.
Best wishes to each of you,
Cathy Benzinger
Thomas Evans
July 23, 2011
Laura
You are greatly missed. I have always valued your humor, energy, and strength...you possessed such great talents, your art reflected your passion for life. Now, you are in a better place; released from the struggles and pain of the physical realm...I am so grateful we got a chance to cross paths in this lifetime.
I send my deepest sympathies to Cathy, family and friends and I wish you many blessings in this time of great grief and loss.
Love and Blessings...
Lisa Hilborn
July 23, 2011
I worked with Laura at the paper and can still hear her laugh. I'm just realizing through her friends what a truly amazing person she was, and regret not getting to know her better. This news has been weighing heavy on my heart all week. She sure lived a full life, for one that was cut too short. Wishing peace and comfort for all whom she left behind.
Melissa Carskadon
July 23, 2011
Laura you will be missed dearly. Your outlook on life was one of a kind. I was very blessed to have both you and Cathy in my life. The memories that I have of you are some of the fondest memories I have during those years. May everyone have the strength to take those with them because you truely impacted so many. Have a safe journey my friend.
Ruth Tate Burmeister
July 23, 2011
I met Laura a few years back , through Cathy. Sister Janet was a school friend of Cathy in Shelby. Laura was very knowledgable on a vaiety of different subjects that were brought up. She was very lovely and will be missed by all.
Kelly (Cruz) Rademacher
July 22, 2011
My mother and Laura's mother were best friends when I was growing up. We would spend almost every day with them and her dear aunt and grandmother. I remember idolizing and looking up to her as a young girl. She was SO cool to me. Thank you for helping to teach me to be a strong person and to stand up for myself when necessary. I know my mother was there to wrap you up in her arms when you entered Heaven. I hope you both shared a good laugh and look forward to seeing you all again. God Speed, Dear Lady. You were truly a beautiful person in every sense of the word.
Mark Trecy
July 22, 2011
Although we lost contact with Laura many years ago; our families were always close as we grew up together. My Mother Elaine (Betzer) Cruz and Laura's mother Beverly were best of friends. Her worldly presence will be missed by all that knew her. Our prayers and condolences to all of Laura's family and friends.
July 21, 2011
Laura made a difference in this world. She will be missed and remembered by all who knew her.
Pat Campbell, Fort Wayne, IN.
Hope
July 21, 2011
I met Laura later in her life and I thoroughly enjoyed her company. She was creative, engaging and kind. When I met her it was like meeting someone I had known forever. I hope in heaven she will meet my father, they shared some of the same health struggles. Laura's and my father's humor would be awesome together, he would love her little wink. It will be easy to remember Laura because I have one of her original works of art in my office. The picture shows me moving to a new job. When I look at the picture, I see it as Laura moving all of her talent with her to a new place where she will continue to share her blessings. I am happy Laura is free of pain now. I will continue to keep Cathy in my prayers during this time of grief and change knowing that Laura would want her to live a full life. Work is work but friends are forever.
Kathy Apple (Bailey)
July 20, 2011
I lost contact with Laura after high school and i regret that. Laura was a good friend, she will always be remembered in my heart. you were someone that i was looking for and i wish i could have said thank you for being there for me when i needed you. thank you and i will miss you. my thoughts go out to Cathy and her family, she was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Tammy Holmes Nass
July 20, 2011
Rest in Peace Laura - I'm sure you will be drawing in heaven and creating art out of clouds.
July 20, 2011
I graduated high school with Laura. She was an amazing person. I loved all of her cartoons her drew. My thoughts & prayers go out to her wife, Cathy and all of her family.
Mary (Burt) Jones, St. Louis, MI
Judy Priest
July 19, 2011
I graduated a year ahead of Laura but remember her with fondness and admiration. She had an exceptional talent for drawing back then and contributed many drawing to those of us in AHS sports. She was always quick with a joke and a sketch. It sounds as though her talent continued to grow throughout her life. My deepest condolences to Cathy and family.
Roxanna (Kaufman) Hill
July 19, 2011
Laura was an amazing person and I feel so lucky to have known her. We graduated together and I will always remember her for her incredible artistic ability. I'm happy to read that she continued using her talent throughout her life. Rest in peace, Laura. You will never be forgotten.
Cindy Woodrow
July 19, 2011
I went to High School with Laura and was lucky to have her as one of my close friends. She always had a funny word or cartoon to brighten up any day. When I asked her what she was going to college for she said "to become a well educated fool". I guess she succeeded from the sounds of it. I'm sorry to hear sense of humor or art will no longer be available for everyone but I'm sure she left enough behind to comfort the loved ones she left behind too soon. My best to Cathy and all her family.
Sherry (Robinson) Butcher
July 19, 2011
Laura was a riot in Middle and High school. She always was able to put a smile on your face when you were having a bad day. She was probably one of the most uplifting people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Hopefully someday we'll meet again and we can sit and laugh together like back when.
Renee Kemp (Johnson)
July 19, 2011
I can't believe you are gone. We spent so much time together in school, you, me, Denise and Judi. Oh the wonderful memories I have carried all these years. You were a great friend with great talents that I always admired. I never stopped thinking about you and have always missed you dearly. I know you are smiling down on all of us. I am glad you found that special someone and my heart goes out to her. I love you my friend. See ya on the other side.
Lori Garberson-Schooley
July 19, 2011
I graduated with Laura. I can still see the cartoons she was always drawing. What a wonderful talent she had. It sounds like Laura had a very full life. She will be remembered by many.
Susan Nienhuis
July 19, 2011
I graduated with Laura and will always remember her as the talented artist she was. She always had a quick smile and a cartoon for every occasion! RIP Laura and my God Bless her family and friends in this time of grief.
Debbie (Boone) Shanklin
July 19, 2011
My husband was repairing our a/c this am and pulled a rubbermaid tub out of the closet. I opened the tub and there on top was a cartoon drawing Laura had drawn of me twirling my baton in high school. How sad that the NEXT thing I do is see this obituary on line. My prayers are with her family.
Dawn (mcconnell)shattuck
July 19, 2011
omg just read this about laura,my thoughts and prayers will be with the family and with you cathy.i never met cathy but i sure knew laura we grew up together,she lived down the street from me,what a beautiful person and will be sadly missed,last time i seen her she was putting her great talent to use in the mall making cartoon shirts,i still have it.we went to school together also,and if you was her friend you knew she would have your back at all times..she was a great,wonderful, talented women and will truly be missed..R.I.P.LAURA....
Kathy Wiltse- Hawkins
July 19, 2011
I was in the class of 1979 with Laura and remember her fondly. She was so talented, always drawing cartoons.She was so much fun and I loved her sense of humor. May you be at peace Laura.
Phyllis Gross
July 19, 2011
Laura, you exceeded the explanation of a friend. You were so special to so many and may your zest for life leave an impression on those who knew you. RIP my friend! You will be missed dearly.
Gretchen Young
July 19, 2011
I was Laura's seventh grade English teacher.They warned me that she would be a handful. She was indeed that and I loved her. We shared an interest in art and I guess that made me okay in her eyes.I'm proud to have had a role in Laura's life.
Judi Durocher
July 19, 2011
Cathy, I'm sorry to here about the loss of your love. I graduated with Laura and have been looking for her for years. She was one of the people that was there for me when my dad passed away in high school. She was a great friend then I will continue to miss her.
Peggy B.
July 19, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, I had known Laura years ago and always appreciated her creativity and ability to reach for the stars.... she was a true testament to if you dream it you can do it. I am hoping all the memories will help comfort and heal all who where closest to her. Thinking of you.
Paul & Michelle Bigard
July 19, 2011
I knew Laura back in the 80's, when she worked at the Morning Sun. I asked her to donate her photographer talents to a large project at Sacred Heart. She did so gladly. It was a highly professional and first class completed product! Thank you Laura! May God be with you.
Kate
July 19, 2011
For sure the world is a much emptier place without you in it Laura. Stacy & Vannie are right, you are amazing and definitely one of a kind!
pat ebnit
July 18, 2011
i am so sad. i was just thinking about laura and wondering where she was. i worked with her during the velsicol chemical closing thru the mid mich action council. amazing talent!!! she and her gifts will be missed.
Diana Mizer
July 18, 2011
May all the special memories of Laura comfort you always . . . . .
Stacy & Vannie
July 18, 2011
Our thoughts go out to Laura's family and wife, Cathy. We will miss her insatiable zest for life and infectious laugh. She was a one of kind, amazing person.
Betz Baxter
July 18, 2011
Oh What a lady what a friend. My heart aches. Remembering the laughter, good times and your radiant smile. You will be truly missed.
You were special....my heart goes out to Cathy and your family. Betz Baxter
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results
Make a Donation
in Laura Wright's name
Memorial Events
for Laura Wright
How to support Laura's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Laura Wright's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
