Laurie Olive Williams

Laurie Olive Williams, a singer and journalist who had just started working as a peer support specialist in Riverside, died Dec. 26 at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center from surgical complications after she broke her leg in a fall. She was 58.

Born to American parents in Heidelberg, Germany, she grew up in Riverside and graduated from Poly High School in 1977. She continued her musical studies at Riverside City College, Chapman College and California State University, Northridge, singing with each school’s elite ensembles and giving vocal recitals.

She spent 30 years as a writer and copy editor at The Press-Enterprise, a copy editor at The San Bernardino Sun, and a freelance writer at the Redlands Daily Facts. She was also an editor for Sky Publishing online. She studied law at Southern California Law School and UC Riverside Extension and worked as a paralegal before training through Riverside County to work with people who need mental health support. She joined Recovery International as a peer support specialist just four weeks before her death.

She was an avid reader, especially fond of science fiction and mysteries. She wrote poetry and fiction, and her talent for positive critique and her expertise as a wordsmith made her a sought-after member of writing groups. She was expert at all word games, loved creating parody lyrics and alter egos. She was a fan of all things Disney.

She sang professionally as a soloist and in church choirs. Among her many singing groups were the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Raincross Master Chorale, and the St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church choir. She was a soloist during High Holy Days at Temple Sinai in Palm Desert. She was in the nun’s chorus in a 2011 Performance Riverside production of Sound of Music.

A memorial service has been set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 at First United Methodist Church of Riverside, 4845 Brockton Ave., where she was a longtime member. The service will include a choir singing in her honor.

She is survived by her mother, Pat Williams of Riverside; two sisters: Kris Lovekin and Valerie Othon; two nieces and two nephews, and her brothers-in-law Steve Lovekin and Mike Othon. Her father, Riverside singer Richard Williams, died 20 years ago. She has a large extended family and many devoted friends who appreciate her wit, her empathy, her knowledge and her kindness.

In lieu of flowers at the memorial, the family requests donations to the scholarship fund of the Raincross Master Chorale, which helps young singers pursue their musical studies. Mail donations to Raincross Master Chorale, PO Box 20324 Riverside, CA 92516.

The group’s Evensong concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25 at First Congregational Church of Riverside will be dedicated to Laurie’s memory.