Laurie Lila Myers Rodriguez

     Picture a loving, devoted, faithful wife. Picture a nurturing, patient, caring mother. Picture an understanding, sweet, kind friend. Picture a supportive, encouraging sister and you have "Laurie". She was all that and more.

 In the song of life, Laurie Lila Rodriguez was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time visiting and giggling, Laurie preferred to live in a world of harmony. Laurie believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. Laurie believed that all of life's possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

      Laurie was born on March 30, 1953 at Vancouver General Hospital in Vancouver Canada. Her parents were Clint and Vivian Myers. Laurie was raised in Burnaby British Columbia til the age of six and then moved to Norwalk, California. Laurie was rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

      Early on in her family relationships, Laurie showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along well with everyone. She was raised with three siblings. She had brothers, Glen and Terry and sister, Launie. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

      As she was growing up, Laurie developed into a person who enjoyed visiting with family and friends. She took pleasure in using her hands in order to create, especially arranging flowers. To Laurie, the most fun she had was simply spending time at home with friends and family.

      She graduated from Gahr High School in 1971 and remained friends with some of her close school mates to this day, Bill Mockridge and her best friend Faye Cooley Hayes.

      Those who didn't know Laurie well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Laurie was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Laurie's, you understood how true a friend she could be.

Laurie was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness. Laurie was blessed with two children, Jennifer and Jeremy from her first marriage to Dan Voss. On December 11, 1986, Laurie exchanged wedding vows with her life partner James Rodriguez at the City Hall of Los Angeles, California.

This union made the family complete with the addition of son James and his wife Elaine. They were also blessed with three grandchildren, Alicia, Gabrielle, Emily and one great- grandchild Fabian.

       Laurie found ways to enjoy what she chose as her primary occupation; domestic engineer. She was employed for Caloric-Modern Maid where she and James met, and after marriage, she retired to care of the newly bonded family.

      Laurie enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in her favorite pursuits, yard sales and collecting mini shoes. Laurie was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

       Laurie was also an avid sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list was watching Dodgers Baseball.

       Laurie was a passionate lover of animals and cherished her pets, her Labs, Dallas and Dodger. She was also crazy about Jeremy and Monika's dogs, Shadow, Sierra and Molly, and Launie's baby Pepper.

      Laurie passed away on October 29, 2007 at home in Norwalk, California. She is survived by husband James, children James, James' wife Elaine, Jennifer and Jeremy, Jeremy's wife Monika, sister Launie, brother Terry and wife Gloria, many, many cousins, aunts and uncles and countless friends.

      Laurie was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Laurie always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Laurie was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Laurie Lila Rodriguez.

We acknowledge all she gave us. We appreciate her giving spirit. We will miss all of this from her but we will carry the love, the memories and strive to pass it on. She always believed God will take care of us. Laurie always said "Everything will work out, I promise".

Laurie, "Crown of Beauty", you'll always be our morning star no matter where you are.