Laura Welch La Canne

Laura Welch Lacanne, 60, of Huntsville, AL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning May 20, 2025. She was born on October 2, 1964, in Atlanta, GA, to Mike and Stephanie Welch. Her family later settled in Albany, GA, where Laura developed a lifelong love of horses. She was an avid rider and active competitor in regional quarter horse shows and barrel racing events. She graduated from Dougherty High School, where she played on the varsity basketball team and helped manage her family’s business, Welch Western Wear, in the Albany Mall.

Laura went on to study psychology at Auburn University, her father’s alma mater. After college, she married Mark LaCanne in 1987 and began a career in banking before choosing to focus on raising her two children, Jason (born 1996) and Stevie (born 1999). Laura was a dedicated and passionate mother, investing countless hours volunteering at her children’s schools and coaching youth t-ball and basketball.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Laura returned to work as a front-end manager and deli chef at Kroger, where her warmth and humor were cherished by coworkers and customers alike. She retired in 2024 to spend more time with her beloved grandchildren, Colton and Hunter.

Laura will be remembered for her quick wit, fierce loyalty, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She had a rare gift for finding humor in any situation and lifting the spirits of those around her.

She was preceded in death by Grandparents Stephen and Evelyn Barutio, Michael and Dola Welch; her uncles William Barutio and Matthew Welch and great-aunt Marie Welch.

Laura is survived by her parents, Mike and Stephanie Welch; her children, Sgt. Jason LaCanne (USMC) and Stevie LaCanne; daughter-in-law, Kathryn LaCanne; her treasured grandchildren, Colton and Hunter LaCanne; her brother, Brian Welch, and sister-in-law, Karen Welch; her niece, Madeline Welch; her nephew, Dylan Welch.

A remembrance service will be held on Tuesday, May 27th from 5:00 pm - 8:00 p.m. at Valhalla Funeral Home 698 Winchester Rd NE Huntsville, Alabama 35811.