Laura Farmer

Born in Flushing, Queens, NYC, Laura moved to the Chicagoland area after graduating from Indiana State University. Here, Laura found a new life, got married and then created a family, made a house a home and became a welcome member in the Crystal Lake community.

Laura lived her life by “The Golden Rule.” Laura was an upbeat and cheerful giver, with a mission in defense of all animals, great and small. As she said, “they cannot speak for themselves.” In response, Laura supported more than 100 causes and organizations related to animal care, children, women, the elderly, veterans, Native Americans, fighting cancer and disease, protection of natural resources, parks and historic preservation.

Laura was an artist, a licensed cosmetologist, a tour bus escort (for children and seniors), a home care personal assistant and in the end, the Thursday night lead at Helping Paws (a no-kill shelter) in Woodstock, IL. She was a loving and devoted wife, sister, aunt, kindred spirit and dear friend to many. She kept a list of family and friends and sent cards, letters or other acknowledgments monthly. Laura was a devoted mom to her fur babies Mack, Ping, Paco and Benny who greeted her at the “Rainbow Bridge.” She dedicated over 40 years to their care. Her favorite pastimes were taking mini road trips, travel, time with family and friends, dog-walking and pet-sitting, Sudoku, watching Y&R, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Hallmark movies, reading and anything else that would bring peace and joy into her life and the lives of others. She was a grateful member of Al-Anon.

Survivors include her husband, Michael, her brother Robert Kommel, her twin sister Jane Stoval, her nieces Cori and Gillian Stoval, Deborah (Matt) Glenn and nephews Jono (Emily) Stoval, Christopher (Becca) Esposito and many others, including grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Preceded in death by her father, Alfred Perla, her mother Charlotte Horn, her sister Carolyn Spiegel and her nephew Joey Stoval.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, June 16, 2023 from 4pm to 8pm at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home (500 W. Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014). Memorial Service will start at 7pm.

A Celebration of Laura's Life will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 1pm to 4pm at St. Mary's Episcopal Church (210 McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014).

A Catered Lunch will take place at 2pm, so please send an RSVP to [email protected] by May 10, 2023 if you plan to be in attendance. A Time of Sharing for family and friends will begin at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Helping Paws Animal Shelter, 2500 Harding Ln, Woodstock, IL 60098 or www.helpingpaws.net.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.QuerhammerandFlagg.com for Laura's family.