With hearts full of sorrow and gratitude, we announce the passing of Laura Ann (Dougherty) Hawkes, age 68, of Shelby Twp, MI. Laura passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded in love by her family.
Laura was preceded in death by her husband David, of nearly 50 years, whom she met when they both attended Warren High School. He was captain of the football team, she was the lead Oriolette. Laura dedicated her life to the family that soon followed which included three children and two grandchildren - they were her pride and joy. She was a care-taker in every sense of the word…she created a home filled with love, kindness, unforgettable laughter and countless wonderful memories.
Laura loved to cook and experiment with new recipes on her family and friends - they were her favorite guinea pigs. Everyone had their favorite “Laura” dish, and her cookie & candy trays were the hit of every holiday party.
A ray of sunshine, Laura was known to have a great laugh and a beautiful smile. She found joy in gardening, watching cooking shows and NCIS, doing puzzles, rooting on the Detroit Lions and Tigers, camping, eating seafood, and above all, spending time with her family and friends.
Laura was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a treasured Pumma (Grandma), a cherished sister and sister-in-law, an adored Aunt, a second mother to many (affectionately known as Momma Hawkes), and a best friend to countless others.
Laura leaves behind three children, Jason, Heather (Jason) Stauder, and John; two grandchildren, Morgan (Sean) Quinn, and Jayna; brothers Mike (Cathy) Dougherty, Mark (Nancy) Dougherty and Dan (Millie) Dougherty, sisters Janet Dougherty, and Colleen (Mark) Mueller, sisters-in-law Denise (Vic) Felice, and Deanna (Bob) Lemasters, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Laura was preceded in death by her husband, David, her parents Bernard and Patricia Dougherty, and her brother-in-law Dennis (Gayle) Hawkes.
Laura will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor at a later date.
