I am so sorry to hear of Laurie's passing, as we were high school friends many years ago.  My prayrs to her family.

Words mean nothing to how I feel.Laurie was a huge part of my life for so long and I'm still saddened about her passing.Sorry for this late addition to her memory.Being a huge part of my life for so long makes it difficult to come to words.She was so kind and loving towards me it gave me a sense of family in my life for the first time ever.For that I am forever indebted to her.I know she will look down on the two beautiful daughters she raised and her spirit will live in them.This world lost a great,caring and wonderful Mother,Grandmother,wife and friend.

Dear Grandma,

Even though we didn't get to know each other for too long, there are many things you added to my life. I bet some of these things, you even did for lots of other kids you knew- that goes to show how caring and kind you were!

You gave great hugs and I loved taking naps with you.

You reassured me when I was sad and you made me feel safe.

You were always checking up on me to see how I was doing.

You would do and say funny things to make me laugh.

You made sure that I was never short on clothes, and teddy bears, and books.

YOU LOVED ME, AND I KNEW IT!

I wish we would have gotten to share more time and hugs and stories and laughs and naps- but I will always know that when we were together, it was time well spent.

Thanks for being the best grandma... ever!

Love,

Your Baby Emmalee

Although mom's not physically here, she left us plenty of reminders about how much she cared.  I came across one of her Hummels the other day that really helped me make meaning of her passing.  It said, “A mother holds a child's hand for a short while, but holds their heart forever.”  It made me think of all the things that I will hold in my heart about my mom.  I'd like to share just a couple of them with you:

Find humor in life's irony, and sometimes unfairness- it's just better that way.

Help those who are less fortunate- we will all be less fortunate someday.

Be loyal to those who help you with kindness in their hearts- seize opportunities to show your appreciation.

Don't be less than what you know you can be- each and every one of us has a mom we should always strive to make proud.

Family comes first- always.

Stand up for what you believe in and don't back down- really, not even if you embarrass your kid.

Know that you can truly do anything you set your heart and mind to do- just keep on trying.

Accept that sometimes life sucks- whining and crying is okay. But when you are done, dust yourself off and move forward, because there's always someone who is worse off.

Fill your days with love, laughter and creativity- when your time comes, you will know you lived a good life.

Truly appreciate things in nature- a sunflower, a hummingbird, clear starry nights.

The devil is in the detail, but the detail is what makes you unique- surround yourself with people who appreciate you for who you are.

Thank you for appreciating my mom for who she was, and is, to each and every one of you.  And thanks for being here for us as we make meaning of some of the new details in our lives.

Mom,

  Words cannot describe how much you mean to me.  You were more than just my mom, but you were my teacher, my support system, my voice of reason, and my best friend.  It's hard for me to imagine a life without you in it to make me smile or give me a shoulder to lean on.  No matter how much grief I caused you all those years ago, I always knew that you were there for me mo matter what.  You taught me to stand up for what's right and to reach for the stars.  I became the person I am today because of you.  I will miss you each and every day for the rest of my life and I will never forget the little things....the daily phone calls to talk about our days, the weekly shopping trips we would take over summer, and most importantly the time that we spent just being together.  I love you more than words can say and I hope to be half the woman that you always were.  You were the bravest, strongest, and most caring person that I have ever met.  Although you are no longer with us physically, I know that you will continue to watch over us.  Don't ever stop watching me mom...I'm not done making you proud.  I love you!

We were all sorry to hear about Laurie's illness and pasing.  I know you all appreciate the many happy memories you all have of her.  You all have been in my thoughts and prayers.

we are very sorry for your loss. although, i have not seen laurie for a number of years. i do know god will handle the pain that your family is going through. but only time will heal, remember she is with her mom, and will always be in your heart & soul untill you meet again... ed & donna de biase

Laurie taught me the meaning of true love. She gave me two beautiful children and a life of happiness. While her physical life has ended, her spiritual life will endure forever. She will always be with me and my children to watch over and guide us until we can be together again.

I was overwhelmed by the number of people that attended her Memorial service. She really touched the lives of many. Laurie loved to laugh and have fun. Her sense of humor and wit will never be forgotten. Some were able to share their "Laurie Story" at her service and they really made me smile. I'm sure that there are hundreds more.

  Thank you to all who were able to attend, sign her Guest Book, or kept her in your thoughts.  It means a lot to me and my family!

Yes Laurie, it's finally Friday.

Laurie's memorial service was beautiful.  We remember well the Rhoades family reunion in Jim and Helen's yard, and enjoyed their gathering immensely from our bird's eye view.  Especially memorable is all the children lying in the grass, surrounding our puppy, stroking a paw, an ear, or a tummy!  It was a great day for a great family.  Our prayers go out to all who loved Laurie.  Carol and David Cooper

This candle is for Laurie, her family friends and Sunrise. I so enjoyed working with her.

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family for your loss. I wish you strength, peace, and comfort in the days ahead.

We are profoundly saddened by Laurie's passing. The world will definitely be a less caring, friendly and funny place without her. Today, regrettably long distance, we join you in celebrating her life....a life well-lived....a life that touched so many in meaningful ways. It has been our blessing to have known Laurie and your wonderful family since our children began kindergarten together over 20 years ago. Those were good times, simpler times. Laurie's love for your family and her pride in her two lovely daughters always shined through. And of course, more recently, her cup runneth over with your 
granddaughter's arrival as she gleefully wrote us in classic Laurie-ease that her credit card was "smokin' pink!"   
Gary, Jessica, and Suzanne: We send our heartfelt sympathy, our love, and our prayers for your strength and peace in the times ahead. Please know that many care and allow their love and caring to wash over you and cushion your grief.  Thank you for sharing your amazing wife and mom with all of us. 
Larry & Vicki Bumpus & Family
(Maryville, TN)

Smart, funny, thoughtful...Laurie always made my days at Sunrise brighter. My heart goes out to her family (and Pepper)as we celebrate her and miss her. Love lives on to comfort us all.

Gary, Jessica and Suzanne, we are so sorry for your loss. Laurie was a very special person and she will be missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Gary, Jessica, Suzanne, and Pepper, We are so very sorry for your loss. Laurie was a very special person, she touched many lives with her caring heart.  May God be with each of you and give you strength to carry on without her.
 She will be missed dearly.
(The O'Neill family, Deltona, FL.)

I've only known Laurie for the past four years but she made me laugh even when she looked serious. My favorite quote of her's was "Is it Friday yet?" on a Monday.She will be missed.

I will never forget the day, 8 years ago, that  I went to register my 5 year old at Sunrise. I misunderstood the times and showed up right as Laurie was locking the door. Not only did she open the door, but we had our own private tour of Sunrise. The next year, I was PTO president and got help, encouragemnet and support from Laurie. As my daughter Caitin grew up, Laurie always remembered and made a comment about how smart and beautiful Caitlin was. I called her my friend and was honored to know her, She was so proud of her family. I will pray for them, knowing how hard these days will be. Your wife and mother was a gem.....RIP Laurie

Gary, Jessica & Suzanne, we are so very sorry for your loss.  Laurie was always a loving and caring person, who will be missed dearly by all who knew her well.  I know everyone else from our Sunrise family feels the same.  Such a great loss.
The Crawford Family

Gary, Suzanne and Jessica:  Our hearts go out to each of you for your loss.  We have been praying for God's strength and peace as you begin to figure out how to carry on without this precious woman in your lives.  You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.

I am so saddened to hear of Laurie's passing.  I always remember her help and friendly disposition in the years' my children were at Sunrise.
In recent months, I had the priviledge to know her while a patient, and she touched my heart and so did her family.  My prayer is for all of them and God's abundance.

I worked with Laurie at Sunrise Elementary when the school first opened. We had lost touch, but I will always remember her sharp wit and kindness.

I met Laurie at a registrar's meeting several years ago and we instantly became friends.  At every workshop we would make sure that we sat together to brainstorm.  She was delightfully humorous and we shared many family stories.   Her biggest love was her family and she was so proud of each of you.  She had a heart of gold and was so happy to become a grandmother.  Laurie will be sorely missed in our circle of friends, but I personally will always cherish our fun times together.  My thoughts and prayers have been with you throughout these past months and continue to be now.  Remember all those good times to help you get through this difficult time.
Kathy Flynn, Registrar, Orange City Elementary School

"When the Lord calls our loved ones home, He leaves a gift of memories in exchange.  It's hard to understand why people are taken from us, but find comfort in knowing you were a very special part of such a beloved life."  

                                                      Maryann and Rudy Forster (Leesburg, FL)

I am so sorry to hear of Ms. Lauren's passing. I knew her from her coming into the pharmacy and at Sunrise. She  was always so sweet and kind each and every time our paths crossed. She would always let me know that Raegan (my granddaughter) was a great little person. I will never forget her. Much love and prayers are going up for the family. May God give you comforting peace.

Laurie and I worked together at Sunrise.  Her sense of humor was legendary.  May God bless Gary, the girls, and the rest of the family.

We were so saddened that Laurie passed away. She was always so kind and caring. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.

OBITUARY

Lauren A. Laurie "Laurie" Rhoades Kalata

10 July, 1957 – 29 January, 2012

Deltona Memorial Funeral Home & Gardens

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