Laura Lee Giardina

Laura L. (Pomatto) Giardina, age 57, passed peacefully on January 27, 2018 at her home in Germantown Tennessee with her children by her side after two and a half years battle with cancer. Laura was born on August 13, 1960 in Washington, Indiana to Mike Pomatto III and Mary Margaret (McKaig) Pomatto.

Laura was described as smart, determined, focused, funny, loving, compassionate and kept an upbeat outlook throughout life and her illness. She enjoyed athletics, being outdoors, and watching sports. She learned to swim at an early age and swam competitively from the age of 5 into her adulthood. Laura enjoyed family weekends at the lake house and fishing though she mostly caught branches and rocks. She enjoyed social activities with family and friends. She liked traveling with friends and family but most importantly spending time with her children.

Laura graduated from Washington Catholic High School in Washington, Indiana. She attended the University of Evansville and earned a degree in Criminal Justice. There she became a proud member of the Chi Omega sorority. Go Chi O!

Laura moved to Denver, Colorado after graduating college in 1982 where she worked as a legal assistant in a large law firm. While there, she met and married Robert F. Giardina, Jr. May 25, 1994. Together, they had the lights of her life, daughter Rachel M. and son Robert F., III. In 1997 the family moved to the Memphis, Tennessee area where she remained until her death. She worked as a legal assistant to Attorney Stewart Austin of Glankler Brown PLLC.

Laura is survived by her pride and joy, her children, daughter Rachel (Graduate Student Mississippi State University) and son Robert (Junior University of Tennessee - Knoxville). Also surviving are brother Michael McKaig, sisters, Georgann Pomatto and Rebecca Pomatto, uncle Eugene Pomatto (MaryLou), special “Aunts,” Mary Halpin and Margarite Tuggle, and loving relatives and friends. Laura’s sisters, Georgann and Becky, were fortunate and privileged to have been able to provide care and support during her fight. Her children provided her drive to fight while her basset Blaze provided company, exercise, and entertainment. She never gave up hope. The family wishes to thank the doctors and entire staff of West Clinic, especially Dr. Kurt Tauer and Dr. Paxton Dickson.

Arrangements will be provided in Tennessee by Memphis Funeral Home. Laura’s wish was to be cremated and her remains will be taken to Gillespie, Illinois to be buried next to her mother. Kravanya Funeral Home will be in charge of the graveside service to be scheduled in the near future. Donations may be made to the Gastric Cancer Foundation or Hope Lodge in St. Louis, Mo.