Jodi Fjeseth Laney

Jodi Fjeseth Laney, born on July 26, 1967, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away surrounded by love and the legacy of a life well-lived. To know Jodi was to be touched by joy — her infectious smile, radiant laugh, impeccable style, and heartfelt generosity lit up every room she entered. She made the world more beautiful, more vibrant, and always more full of love, especially during the holidays.

Jodi was a creative force — endlessly imaginative and driven by a deep love for storytelling through visual expression. After graduating from Portage Northern High School, she attended the University of Michigan, then followed her adventurous spirit to Winter Park, Colorado, where she lived out a ski lover’s dream. Her journey eventually led her to Dallas, Texas, where she earned her degree from the Art Institute of Dallas and began a remarkable career in design and visual merchandising.

Her early work included selling shoes at Barneys New York (where her lifelong shoe passion began), designing hats for Dasha Designs, and bringing retail spaces to life as a Visual Manager at Hecht’s and Foley’s. In 1992, she married the love of her life, Bruce Laney — a romance sparked by a serendipitous introduction from her mother and a first date in New York City. Jodi and Bruce began their journey together in the beautiful city of Raleigh, North Carolina, where they formed cherished, lifelong friendships and discovered an entirely new corner of the country. Jodi and Bruce’s love was rooted in travel, adventure, and mutual admiration, eventually leading them to build a warm and joyful life together in Grapevine, Texas.

Jodi’s career flourished as she took on larger and more impactful roles: Regional Visual Manager at Express (1996–1999), Director of Visual Merchandising at Harold’s (1999–2008), and Product Development and Sourcing at Raz Imports (2009–2012). At Harold’s, she oversaw floor sets, store openings, remodels, and photo shoots, traveling the country — and the world — to infuse spaces with her signature flair. At Raz Imports, she journeyed through Hong Kong and China sourcing seasonal décor, always with a keen eye for detail and excellence. She found her perfect final role at Le Creuset (2013–2025), where her love for food, color, and design came together beautifully. Jodi left her mark on countless stores, windows, and hearts — elevating every brand she touched.

But Jodi’s creativity extended far beyond the workplace. She was a master of decorating, floral arranging, and the art of gift-giving. Holidays in her presence were unforgettable — she had a magical way of making every occasion feel personal and special. Her talent for gift wrapping was extraordinary. She had a catering business, cooked like a pro, and was known for her warm hospitality and perfect taste. Jodi adored fashion, jewelry, accessories, and of course, shoes — her style was uniquely her own, confident and inspiring. She had a passion for travel and loved exploring incredible destinations around the world, including the Greek Islands, Phi Phi Islands in Thailand, Bali, Bora Bora, Europe, Croatia, Hawaii, and countless places across Mexico and the Caribbean to name a few. One of her most cherished adventures took place last year, when she and her husband travelled with her dad, Pete, and his wife, Sandi, on a truly special and unforgettable pilgrimage to Norway. Together, they explored the majestic fjords and visited the town where her grandparents and extended family once lived—a heartfelt journey.

Jodi had a generous heart and a remarkable ability to make others feel seen, supported, and loved. She brought people together — mentoring, encouraging, and celebrating everyone around her. She loved movies, TV shows (especially anything on Bravo), traveling the world, and spending quality time with friends and family.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 33 years, Bruce Laney; her father, Allan “Pete” Fjeseth and stepmother Sandra Fjeseth; her sister, Jill Rios (husband Carlos) and their children, Katherine, Alan, and Andy; her brother-in-law, Todd Laney (wife Traci) and their son Justin (wife Courtney) and grandchildren Crosby and Jack; and her cherished aunts Margaret Starkey and Betty Jensen (husband Lonnie). She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Catherine Fjeseth.

Jodi’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched — not just through her design work or the beautiful spaces she created, but in the way she made people feel: loved, appreciated, and joyful. Her spirit of adventure, her talent, and her boundless love will continue to inspire all who knew her.

She made every holiday more magical, every moment more meaningful, and every life she touched a little brighter. She will be missed beyond words, but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Jodi's memory to Metroport Meals on Wheels or Operation Kindness. Links can be found below.