Laurie Ann Lacour Bolanos

Laurie Lacour Bolanos, age 55, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by family in her final moments, and her transition was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God.

Laurie was born on April 30, 1970, she was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Laurie truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures, spending time with family and friends. Laurie had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. She touched many lives with her wisdom, humor, and her vibrant indomitable spirit. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her.

When Laurie was just a baby in the crib, her family’s home was struck by a tornado. All the windows in the house blew in. There was glass everywhere. Her parents & brother raced to her room to get her. They found baby Laurie, lying in her crib laughing. She was surrounded by shards of glass, almost like a halo around her. She was miraculously unscathed – not injured, no cuts. Since then, her parents felt she was touched by God.

Deeply spiritual, Laurie was raised a Catholic. In recent years, as her son found his spiritual home with the Antiochian Orthodox Church, Laurie chose to support him and embraced the change, becoming a devoted and active parishioner.

Laurie studied ballet from early childhood through adulthood. Laurie graduated from Archbishop Chapelle High School. She attended Northwestern State University on an honors scholarship and furthered her studies in ballet and modern dance. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English. After college, Laurie studied to become an LPN and worked for 12 years before studying at Delgado/Charity School of Nursing to become a Registered Nurse. She spent much of her nursing career in Nursing Homes, Home Health, and Hospice where she was dedicated to the care of her patients.

She was a music enthusiast. She took great pleasure in all kinds of music, she knew all the lyrics, singing with joy, acted out songs dramatically, and was very proficient at playing air drums! (IYKYK)

Laurie loved travel with family or friends – particularly cruises and trips to beaches. She enjoyed regular weekly game nights with her family, and relished outings with her closest friends. She enjoyed long walks, witty conversation, and good books. Laurie loved animals – she often referred to herself as a ‘crazy cat lady.’ Laurie was very thrifty; she was tickled when getting a bargain. She was also incredibly lucky, so much so that she registered for MANY contests and sweepstakes – she was tickled by her many winnings.

Laurie was a gifted writer; she had a thirst for knowledge and discovery. She enjoyed plot creation, fleshing out her stories and characters. She was a member of a local author’s peer group, they collaborated, exchanged manuscripts and provided constructive feedback. While some of her books remain unfinished, she successfully published a novel: “Prince of Conjurers” and a children’s book “Things Can Grow Between Your Toes.”

Laurie is survived by her spouse and soulmate, Gilton Rolando Bolanos, whom she loved deeply. Their story is beautiful: they met by chance when she was a child dining at a restaurant with her parents. Gilton served the food to their table, she asked her parents if she could give him a tip. Gilton never forgot this act of kindness. After many years, they met again working at the same Nursing Home (both nurses). Laurie knew when she met Gilton that he was “the one.” They were happily married for 31 years.

Laurie was a proud and loving mother to Alexander Hilton Bolanos and Amanda Ashley Bolanos. Laurie encouraged and rejoiced in Alex and Amanda’s success, guiding them to be generous of heart and spirit.

Laurie enjoyed a meaningful and earnest relationship with her parents Earl “Barry” Lacour, Jr and Trudy Ann Mistretta Lacour. Throughout her life they were her guiding light, her mentors, her strength, and her steadfast supporters.

Her brother Earl “Barry” Lacour III and his wife Kelly were close in spirit and proximity, living in the same neighborhood just minutes apart from each other. Laurie would regularly walk over to pop in to see their children, her nephews, Baron Lacour, Jacob Lacour and Joshua Lacour, whom she loved dearly.

Her husband’s family also made a special mark in Laurie’s life, welcoming her with open arms into the family fold. Her beautiful mother-in-law, Maria Aguilar graciously loved and treated Laurie as a daughter. Maria’s husband, Miguel, preceded Laurie in death, as did Gilton’s father, Rolando. Her sisters and brothers-in-law: Luzaira Van Velsen (Rusty), Flor Garcia (Samuel), Dunia Wilder (Jimmie), Milton Aguilar (Ruth), Marlon Aguilar (Leidy), Walter Bolanos (Delka), and Irania Bolanos. Including all their children and extended family.

Laurie was also preceded in death by her grandparents: Earl B. Lacour Sr, Mildred Christina Lacour, Stefano Mistretta (Ida), Emma K. and Philip J. Arena.

Laurie was a treasured niece of her aunts and uncles: Thomas Robert & Barbara Lacour, Mary Ann and Charlie Christopher, Susan and Tom (dec) Webre, Alan James and Melanie Lacour. Judy and Phede (dec) Nichols, Steve (dec) and Bea Mistretta, Cathy and Gary (dec) Peterson, Philip (dec) and Judy Mistretta, Pamela and Jack Chance (dec). Toni Jo (dec) and Lenny Marchand, Stephanie Mistretta (dec), and her Honorary Aunt Marlene Trammell.

Laurie had personal connections with most of her family, she was particularly close with “Cousin/Sisters” Christy Nichols, Penny Nichols Barthe, Stacy Hohman and Jack Chance. Remaining as constants in each other’s lives from childhood to adulthood.

Laurie was an ideal older cousin to: Steven Mistretta, Richard Mistretta, Michelle Chance, Erica Lugo Parrack, Philip Mistretta Jr, Ross Marchand, Nick Marchand, Amie Trammell, Justin Brandon Lacour, Brittany Lacour, Alicia Lacour Seremet, Aubree Lacour Strangos, Austin Lacour, Travis Lacour, Charles Christopher and Tom Christopher.

Laurie was preceded in death by her bosom friend since childhood, Kellee Olasin Chauvin. The world changed for Laurie after Kellee’s sudden unexpected death. This was a devastating loss for Laurie, but she always felt Kellee’s presence.

Additionally, she leaves behind her dearest friends Angie Granier, Karen Muller Albert, Jennifer Pierce-Villanueva,

and Neil Atkin of Lincolnshire England.

Although Laurie's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. As you continue to worship Jesus up there, dear Laurie, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Laurie touched are invited to join in her Celebration of Life - Information as follows:

• Friday, February 20, 2026 – 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm Visitation at Leitz Eagan in Metairie

• 4:30 pm Louisiana Nurse Honor Guard Tribute

• 5:00 pm Trisagion Prayers

• Saturday, February 21, 2026 – 11:00 am Visitation at St. Basil Antiochian Orthodox Church in Metairie

• 11:30 am Funeral Service. Repast to follow in the Church Hall

A private burial will be on Monday, February 23, 2026

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made in Laurie’s name to St Basil Antiochian Orthodox Church, 3916 Hudson St., Metairie LA 70006 www.stbasilneworleans.org or All Hands and Hearts at www.Allhandsandhearts.org