Laura A. Brandenburg

Laura was born in Galesburg, Illinois September 19, 1951 to Eugene and Patricia Mathers. She grew up on a small farm near the town of North Henderson, Illinois. Laura was the middle child of the Mathers family with her brother David one year older and her sister Elizabeth six years younger. As a young child Laura had a hard time pronouncing her name and referred to herself as Nora Nanna and was affectionately called that on occasion by her loving father, Gene. Pat took care of the household and managed on a tight budget. The concept of saving was important to Gene and Pat. This upbringing helped Laura to understand the value of a dollar and she always maintained a reserve to fall back upon. Laura was active with 4-H (Prize Barrow), High School plays (Lead in the Spring Musical) and helping around the house and farm as needed.

Laura was accepted into the University of Illinois at the Champagne / Urbana campus as a Business Major where she, at the young age of 19, met her future husband, Jay Brandenburg. She graduated with a BS Degree in Business December of 1973. Laura came out for a visit to Los Angeles with her girlfriend and former roommate Cheryl but once in Southern California she decided to stay. She started as a waitress at Bob’s Big Boy for a stint before she obtained her Real Estate license and went into Real Estate sales.

Jay and Laura were married in the Methodist Church at North Henderson on December 27, 1975 and promptly went on a Honeymoon in San Diego, California. They settled in Downey, CA near where Jay worked at Rockwell International as an engineer on the Space Shuttle. It was also centrally located and close to Southwestern Law School for Jay’s night classes. As a Real Estate Agent, Laura found the perfect starter home in Cerritos, CA in 1976 about the time Jay made a career move to Northrop Corporation. They moved into another Cerritos home in 1987. After many years of marriage, Jay and Laura were blessed with their daughter, a little gift from God, Sara Elise Brandenburg who was born on May 3, 1988. The family finally settled in Carlsbad, CA in 2000 after Jay was transferred to the San Diego area. Laura was a devoted Mother and confidant to Sara and Sara so loved her Mom as did her husband, Jay.

Laura passed on May 9, 2015 and is survived by her loving mother, Patricia Mathers, brother, David Mathers, sister, Elizabeth Timmons, husband, Jay Brandenburg, daughter, Sara Brandenburg and many nieces and nephews.

Laura made so many great friends in Carlsbad while continuing to hold on to those friendships she had made growing up, through the College years as well as those strong ties in Cerritos. She was well loved and appreciated by her family and her many friends.