Laura Sue Israel

Laura was born and raised in Stockton. She graduated from Lodi High School in Lodi, CA and attended San Jose State University where she received a bachelor’s degree. Laura married Kenneth Israel in 1970 in Stockton, CA. They were happily married for 42 years.

Laura was a devoted mother and grandmother who spent much of her life focused on raising her three children and spending time with her two granddaughters. She welcomed her daughter-in-law and son-in-law into the family with open arms and made them feel like true members of the family. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, knitting, and crochet. Throughout her life, Laura also opened her home to numerous dogs and cats.

Laura is survived by her son, Gregory Israel and his wife Kate; her daughter, Kari Israel; her daughter, Jennifer Dietrich and her husband Tobin; her granddaughters, Norah and Mallory Dietich, her sister, Judy Rafert; her nephews, Peter and Matthew Rafert; her niece, Susan Rafert; and other relatives.

Laura was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive neuro-degenerative disease, Multiple System Atrophy. She battled courageously, never bitter. She kept her sense of humor, kindness, and compassion for others to the very end.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to:

Stockton Animal Shelter

(https://www.stocktonca.gov/services/animal_services/donate.php)

Condolences may be left on Laura Sue Israel’s online guest book