Laura Ann Brendle

Laura Longshore Brendle, 69, passed away on August 23, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. Laura’s warmth, optimism, and generous spirit touched countless lives, and she leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, friendship, and service.

Laura is survived by her husband of 48 years, Idus Earl Brendle, and their children: Ann Morgan Graham (O’Keefe), Drew Parker Brendle (Morgan), and Paige Katterjohn Brendle. Affectionately known as “LaLa,” one of Laura’s greatest joys was being a grandmother. She was immensely proud of her grandchildren: Howard O’Keefe Graham III, Georgia Jane Graham, Laura Ann- Louise Graham, Drew Parker Brendle, Jr., and Ann Ellen Brendle. Whether she was gathered around her kitchen playing cards, enjoying time in Oxford, Mississippi, or teaching everyone a new board game, her family was truly the center of her world and she was the most fun.

Laura is the daughter of the late William Jere Longshore, Sr. and is survived by her mother, Ann Katterjohn Longshore and her brothers William Jere Longshore, Jr. (Sallye) and John Morgan Longshore (Alice). She was also preceded in death by her sister, Georgia Katterjohn Longshore.

A proud native of Montgomery, Laura graduated from Trinity Presbyterian School and attended Auburn University, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Throughout her life, her gentle spirit and positive outlook were gifts to everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. She was always an enthusiastic presence in her children’s lives serving as a classroom mother, Girl Scout troop leader, team mom, and tireless supporter of every activity and adventure her children enjoyed. She had a special gift for making everything fun, meaningful, and full of wonderful memories, not only for her own children but for many of their friends as well.

Laura spent 17 years working for the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, where she especially treasured the many friendships she formed. Connecting with people came naturally to Laura, and she had a special way of making others feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

A lifelong Episcopalian and faithful member of the church, Laura joyfully shared her time and talents in service to the Lord and her community. Over the years, she served through the Altar Guild, Episcopal Church Women, Vestry, New Beginnings tutoring, and numerous other ministries. Most recently, she played an instrumental role in establishing the Many Colors Art Collective, an art program for adults for differently-abled adults, and proudly served as its first Board President. Her commitment to serving others reflected the generous heart and deep faith with which she lived each day.

Laura truly knew how to enjoy life. She loved the friendly competition of pickleball and tennis, card games, trips with her friends, and days with family at the beach and Lake Martin. She taught a generation of Montgomery children to swim and created countless memories cooking in her kitchen while her children and grandchildren gathered nearby. Her happiest moments were often the simplest ones—surrounded by the people she loved, sharing good food, laughter, stories, and time together.

Above all, Laura loved deeply and lived joyfully. She found happiness in her family, her friendships, her faith, and in serving others. Even through life’s challenges, she remained a source of encouragement and positivity to those around her. Her life was full of meaningful relationships, wonderful memories, laughter, and love. While she will be deeply missed, Laura’s joyful spirit and the love she so freely gave will continue to live on through her family, her friends, and the many lives she touched.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 28, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Duncan Johnston and Rev. Mark Waldo officiating. A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the family receiving friends in the Parish Hall. A private burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery prior to the visitation.

The family is deeply grateful to Dr. Steve Davidson and Dr. Yun Shin Chun along with their dedicated medical teams at Montgomery Cancer Center and UT MD Anderson Cancer Center for the compassionate care and support they provided to Laura throughout her illness.

Pallbearers include Dr. John Moorehouse, Frank Rhodes, Leo Allen, Jackie Bushman, Dr. Marvin Trott, John Frazer, Fletcher Gibson, John McCabe, and Winton Blount.

Memorial contributions may be made to Many Colors Art Collective, 2911 Woodley Road, Montgomery, AL 36111, or UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030.