Laura was born 10/3/1961, to Robert E. Jenkins and Donna L. (DeWeese) Jenkins in Peoria, Illinois. She was very talented at dancing, gymnastics, and tennis. Laura graduated from Pekin Community High School (1978), Western Illinois University (BA – 1981), and Franklin University (MBA with honors - 2008).
Laura is survived by her husband Michael L. Gdula, whom she married in Hawaii (1999). She is also survived by her mother, sisters Julie Sullivan and Kathleen Oates, and Kathy’s husband Jay. Additionally, she is survived by in-laws: Connie Gdula, Connie and Thomas Hess, Joseph Gdula and Kelli Fulton, Gregory and Carol Gdula, Elizabeth and Fred Orend, and many awesome nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her father and niece Kara Sullivan.
Laura demonstrated her love for the arts as a child prodigy singing Herman’s Hermits song, “I’m Henry VIII, I Am” when she was four. She later danced with the Peoria Civic Ballet. Laura honed her home renovation skills by roofing, window replacement, drywalling, painting, landscaping, and hardscaping. Later, she sharpened these skills by watching HGTV and planning home improvements for her friends.
Laura made her residence in Columbus, Ohio, and was employed by the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund. She was a member of Bexley United Methodist Church. Laura was an avid jewelry designer and gardener. She was passionate about her beloved four-legged children, Ozzie and Barney. She loved well and was loved by many.
The family wishes to thank United Health Care, The James Cancer Research Center, Capital City Hospice, and Fresenius Kidney Care for their excellent care of Laura.
Memorials may be made to the James Cancer Treatment and Research Center of Columbus, Ohio, Lymphoma Research Fund (Fund Number 301910) at: https://cancer.osu.edu/for-donors-and-volunteers/how-to-donate/donate-by-cancer-type
Visitation Services will be held from 5 – 8 PM, Thursday, 9/29/2022 at Schoedinger Funeral and Cremation Service, 1051 E. Johnstown Rd, Gahanna, Ohio 43230.
On Friday, 9/30/2022, a Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 AM, with visitation an hour prior to the service at Bexley United Methodist Church, 2657 E. Broad St, Bexley, Ohio 43209.
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