Laura Suzanne Kessler

Laura married the love of her life, Michael Scott Kessler, on June 3, 1989, in Los Altos, California. Together, they shared 37 years of marriage and built a beautiful life centered around their family and the love they had for one another.

Laura studied Early Childhood Education at De Anza College and Oklahoma State University. Throughout her life, she worked at Nautilus Fitness Center, Maxim Semiconductor, and Sam’s Club, but her favorite job was as mother and wife.

Laura was the most kind and beautiful soul, with a pure heart that she never allowed the world to change. Being a mother and caring for her family was her passion and calling in life. She fiercely advocated for the underdog and never wanted anyone to hurt. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel loved, supported, and valued.

Laura devoted much of her time to helping others. She volunteered at Redeemer Lutheran School in Kokomo, Indiana, and was involved with Kokomo Curtain Call, where she helped children learn their lines, understand their parts, and supported them simply by being an adoring audience member. She also volunteered at SHAK Makerspace, which her husband helped co-found. What began as supporting Mike’s passion became one of Laura’s own passions.

Laura had a special way of making everyone feel like family. She “adopted” all of her daughter, Caitlin’s friends and loved and treated them as though they were her own children. She supported her family in everything they did and was always there to encourage them, build them up, and help them shine.

Laura loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. She always dreamed of being a backup singer, which was fitting for someone whose greatest joy was helping others shine in the spotlight. She loved spending time with her family, watching musicals and reality programs, playing online games with friends around the world, enjoying Mexican food, and sharing a margarita with those she loved.

Laura was also a strong advocate for mental health and openly shared her own struggles and triumphs in the hope that others would feel less alone. Anyone who knew Laura knew that she could light up a room with her smile and infectious laugh. There was not a day that passed that she didn’t sing or tell someone she loved them.

Laura was a bright light of love and hope. Her kindness, compassion, laughter, and unwavering love for others left an unforgettable mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. The world was a better place because Laura was in it, and her light will continue to shine through the lives of all those she loved.

Laura is survived by her beloved husband of 37 years, Michael Scott Kessler of Brentwood, Tennessee; her daughter, Caitlin Sarah Morgan, and son-in-law, Matthew Morgan, both of Wesley Chapel, Florida; her father, James Carroll Tripp, and mother, Lavon Leslie Tripp, both of Salinas, California; and her brothers, Eric Tripp of Los Altos, California, and Ryan Tripp of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Laura’s love will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her song, her laughter, and her reminder to always love and support one another will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Laura's name either NAMI (national Alliance on Mental Illness) https://donate.nami.org/give/197406#!/donation/checkout, or the American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association https://www.fibromyalgiafund.org/donate/.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Brentwood-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, 9010 Church Street East, Brentwood, TN 37027, US, on August 30, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 2:30 pm.