Laura Bolles Badger

WASHINGTON - Laura Lee Bolles Badger, 46, of Vermont Route 110, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at the Respite House in Williston, with family and friends at her bedside, after a valiant battle with breast cancer.

Born on Feb. 24, 1966, in Barre, she was the second daughter of Leland and Shirlene (Elmer) Bolles. She attended Barre Town Elementary School and graduated from Spaulding High School in Barre in the class of 1984.

On Oct. 23, 1993, Laura married Peter Badger in the Hedding United Methodist Church in Barre. Following their marriage, they made their home in Washington. Their son, Dakotah John, was born on Jan. 5, 1996.

For the past 22 years, Laura was an employee of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont. She worked throughout her various courses of cancer treatment, rarely showing the private struggle she endured. At times, some of her co-workers were unaware that she was undergoing another course of treatment, and that was exactly how she wanted it. To the extent that she could control it, Laura never wanted her cancer to affect those around her.

Laura always felt that her most important job was as wife to Peter and mother to Dakotah. She continued to fight her cancer battle to gain more time with them, succeeding for nine long years. She was a proud mom, speaking often of Dakotah's accomplishments in school, sports and his other activities. Heavily involved with his schooling, she served as a school board member at Washington Village School.

She and her family enjoyed camping, fishing and other outdoor sports. She always looked forward to summer when they could see the special friends they made camping over the years.

Survivors include her husband, Peter, of Washington; her son, Dakotah, of Washington; her father, Leland Bolles, of East Barre; two sisters, Linda Otis and her husband, Marcel, of Barre, and Cheryl Joslin and her husband, Erik, of Warren; several nieces and nephews; and many other extended family members and close friends.

Her daughter, Brooke; her mother; her niece, April Otis; and her great-nephew, Hunter Potvin, predeceased her.

Her service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at 11 a.m. in the Hedding United Methodist Church in Barre. There are no calling hours.

Following the service, there will be a potluck luncheon and time for fellowship at a destination to be announced at the church.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495.

The Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre, is in charge of the arrangements.