Laurel Kaplan

February 1st, 2015

Laurel touched the lives of so many people. Even old friends that were not good at staying in touch. I will always remember learning French with Laurel in France (with little regard for pronunciation), but mostly eating pastries at the patisserie. Over the next years, Laurel warmly and generously shared her friends and family with me and brought me together with our dear friend, Judy. I’m sorry that my life took me so far away and I was unable to see her for many years.
When I think of Laurel, I see her sweet smile and hear her laugh and special way of talking. She’s one of the few unforgettable people I’ve had the pleasure to know and it is so sad that I won’t be able to see her again.
My heart goes out to Jim, Jeffrey and the whole family and I send my love to all, Barb

~Barb Inwald
~old friend, San Rafael, CA

January 31st, 2015

It’s a shock not to have Laurel with us any more. I will always remember her quick teasing wit; playful spirit; dogged courage in adversity; unfailing loyalty; kind heart; and sincere love for others. Such friends are not easy to come by. I will miss her so much. There’s nobody like Laurel.

~Verda Ingle
~longtime friend, Boone, NC

January 31st, 2015

While I did not know Laurel, I had the pleasure of working with her son, Jeff. I am sure that Laurel was an amazing mother and teacher. She inspired Jeff to be an outstanding teacher. It was truly a joy to work with him.

~Erin Haring-Switzer
~Family Friend, Carmel, IN

January 30th, 2015

Laurel was such a beautiful baby with the sweetest smile. I loved being the “Aunt” only a few years older than her. We always has such great laughs growing up. On Friday night dinners at her grandparents house, Laurel and Russell would always entertain us with a song and dance show. Laurel was so loving to my two sons, Andy and Mike, there was love there between all of us

~Jill Chesler
~Aunt, San Jose, Ca

January 30th, 2015

Laurel will be deeply missed by all her relatives, friends, colleagues, and students. I admired Laurel for her devotion to her students and her dedication to our reading program. We were graduate students together in the Reading Department at National Louis University many years ago. I’ll always remember how she cared for her students’ growth, not only in reading but in gaining more self-confidence. She was a wonderful tutor who had a heart of gold, a warm personality and a purpose in life to help others.

It’s hard to express in words how sad we all felt when we heard that Laurel passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim, Jeffrey and Bridget.

With love,
Bev Shaw Hayford

~Beverly Shaw Hayford
~friend and colleague, Hobe Sound,FL 33455