Laura Tammy Ettienne Murray

Laura went by several names including Cassandra and Tammy. This variety was not unusual for such a motley spirit as she was many things to many people. She was an eclectic soul with wisdom beyond her years.

Laura was born October 4, 1971, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She spent the majority of her life in California where she attended both Sylmar and Bell Gardens High Schools.

She was the mother of two amazing children, Brandon and Grace Nielsen, who she adored more than anything else on the planet. Her greatest passion was her family, she looked forward to every minute she could spent with any of them. Breaking bread with the ones she loved was how she enjoyed spending her time, especially if she was the chef. She was an excellent cook and the love she put into her food was apparent in every bite.

Second to her love for family was her love for animals. She often came to the aid of strays or a bird that had fallen out of the nest to nurse them back to health. Oddly enough, most of these animals would seek her out and be comforted by her, which is not typical wounded animal behavior. We often joked about this by calling her Dr. Dolittle.

Laura also loved music and the opportunity to move with it. When the music came on, she was the first to and last off the dance floor.

Laura handled life as it came and gave her time freely to those in need of advice or just an ear to listen. The life she led was filled with many challenges and struggles. With these struggles grew the wisdom of a king. She always knew what to say to those in need. She was at the defense of those that were defenseless. She gave her time to God by preaching the good word to all. Her sobriety was paramount in her life, and she was very proud of the people she was able to sponsor and the people that offered her sponsorship. The program, and the people in it, is where she dedicated most of her time and energy. She touched and changed the lives of countless individuals by helping them battle addiction.

Laura is survived by her parents Clay Murray and Laura Fletcher, stepdad papa Andre Fletcher, children Brandon and Grace Nielsen, husband Kevin Gollihugh, siblings Clay and Jennifer, Tia Norma, Tia Maria, and countless family and friends.