Laurie you were a great co worker but more importantly a great friend. You were a strong person and always smiling. Love Gary n Carolyn 

As much as I hate cancer, I’m actually glad to have had it. If it wasn’t for my own cancer diagnosis, I never would have met Laurie. I first met Laurie at Tour de Pink in 2009 or 2010, I can’t remember for certain.  Her smile was infectious and her heart was even bigger! We were roommates at the 2011 TdP and every year after except 2014 and 2019 when I didn’t ride. It was an unwritten rule that we were roommates. TdP will not be the same. I will cherish our friendship, on and off the bike, forever.  I love and miss you!

Joe,
We want to express our sorrow for the loss of your wife Laurie.  There are no words to express your loss and what you are going through during this difficult time.
We also want you to know that both you and Laurie will be in our hearts and prayers,

Greg & Nefer Hammonds


Joe,

I am very sorry for your loss!  I am praying for you and your friends and family.  The coming weeks will surely be difficult but I hope you can focus on all of the good times in her life and that it brings you peace.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

Joe,
We are very saddened to hear this news.  We have many great memories of Laurie.  She was always such a joy to be around during the countless times we hung out together, whether it was at Jerry D's, your old house or the Ravens tailgates at the firehouse. We are so sorry for your loss.  You and your family will be in our prayers.  
Our deepest condolences, 
Chuck & April Trueman


There aren't really words to say how Laurie affected people. She was kind, and happy, and a good friend. It makes me smile when I think of her. I know that she will rest in peace, I'm just sorry it came too early. 

Even though we never did meet Laurie in person, we feel she was one of a  kindred spirit.  The stories Joe would share about Laurie produced a imagine of someone who approached life with all the zest and joy we should all imitate. We love her personal goal of “50 by 50”.  This exemplified the person she was.  The check off list included the small joys and experiences we should all do; from Christmas caroling, watching eagles fly  to attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving  Day Parade in NYC.  They are not huge extravagant events but simple life activities we should all experience.  We are less because we did not actually meet her but much more because of knowledge of the type of person she was.  Joe and rest of her family our prayers are with you.  Laurie we thank you for the example of the person we should all be.  Our Prayers,  Jim and Roberta



     In many ways, I think of Laurie as a daughter. She let me meet the real her. Laurie did not waste time, even before her illness, on pettiness or complaints. She met the hard times in the same spirit because that is who she was. Joyful, loving, funny, generous with her gifts of self and time. She celebrated life while she lived it. There will never be another quite like her.
      Now Laurie lives in memory. Her life was full, though far too short. My condolences to her family, and my thanks to all of them for the beautiful person they shared with the world. My memory picture of her is of a sweet girl with a great smile, giggling while she reaches for a cookie. I love you, Laurie.   

Joe,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Louise McDade

Love and prayers to Carolyn,  John, Tammy John,Jr. and their spouses and Laurie's husband, Joe. May the many beautiful memories of Laurie sustain you at this most difficult time. Know that she is enjoying a heavenly peace that she so richly deserves. God bless and love to you and your MOST Special Angel !                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Mary Carol Gonce

Tammy, Joe, Sunny and Chief and the rest of the family, 
I am so truly sorry for the loss of a beautiful soul. Recently when Joe was away for work, and Sunny fell ill.... I witnessed Laurie’s strength, I always knew she was a strong soul, but that day, I was amazed at her strength. She had revived chemo that day, it had gone wrong, Sunny was sick.... and she still smiling, knowing she’d get through it. I told her that day she inspired me. She always has, and always will. I really loved getting to know her all these years. She was a bright light in this world. A very special human. 

While I never met Laurie personally, I was blessed to hear her talked about so lovingly by two mutual friends, Hope and Faith Carper. I can vouch for what a profound effect Laurie had in touching their lives which in turn they spread her positive upbeat outlook on life to others. We need more people like Laurie in this world, especially nowadays. May the angels speed you into Paradise Laurie where you now rest peacefully in the bobom of our Lord. 

Prayers going out to all of Laurie's family and friends.  Her positivity and determination was infectious.   She will always be remembered and deeply missed by every person who had the wonderful opportunity of having Laurie in their life! Rest easy my friend.  Heaven has truly gained a remarkable angel.

I have so many memories to cherish with Laurie, a guiding light for me and so many. Words alone cannot do justice in serving the loss of this beautiful, courageous woman.  A word is a word until its given life...Laurie gave life to many words: wisdom, courage, love, acceptance, determination, conviction, friendship, sisterhood, and her last, peace.  One of my most cherished memories include a night at Silver Spring with Laurie, Joe, Lisa, and Faith. We sang, we laughed, we savored the moment.  I love you my dear friend.

She is beautiful person heart and soul. Several years ago I was unemployed. Laurie messaged me and asked if I liked to apply for a job at the company she worked for.  I was surprised because I only knew her through one of her close friends, also seen her once in a great while. I was completely blown away...that a person I saw once in awhile would think of me for a job, but that's the way she was though. She thought of others while she herself was fighting her own battle. She was an amazing woman. Always doing her races for cancer and staying active. Needless to say I was unable to do the job but I will never forget her and her beautiful heart

I met Laurie at the Tour de Pink.  Year after year, I looked for her in the line of jerseys to ride along and chat, giggle, sometimes swear, share some stories and our love for YSC.  My favorite memory with Laurie was in York, PA.  We were riding through my college town, and we were talking for a few miles.  She always had encouragement and camaraderie to share with me.  I always admired her strength and determination and looked forward to seeing her bright smile.  Laurie's strength and smile lit up everyone around her.  She was a warrior and a bright light.  I am very appreciative that I was lucky enough to know her.  May her spirit bring warmth to all of us.  

I will never forget you and your kindness and friendship during those high school years. It was so wonderful seeing you at the 30th reunion, like we were never apart.  Plus we share the same birthdate. God bless you and thank you for being such a blessing to so many.  Thank you for  being strong, positive  and encouraging others!  You will always be remembered and treasured. 

Jason and I have known Laurie since high school .. one of my fun memories with Laurie, is over the years trying to see who would send out the first Christmas card..... some years it was her, some it was me..... some times we would send cards as early as November 1, to try to “send the first Christmas card”.  She was loved by so many and will be missed by so many...... fly high my friend ..... love Kellie and Jason 

OBITUARY

Laurie Yori Riha

September 2, 1970 – March 28, 2020

Schimunek Funeral Home

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