Laura Julie Schickel

Laura Julie Schickel, 75, passed away peacefully at home in Austin, Texas, on December 10, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. Surrounded by love and listening to her favorite music by Eric Clapton, she left this world in the comfort of familiar surroundings, her family by her side.

Born in Painesville, Ohio, on March 21, 1949, Laura was the daughter of a humble family and grew up with a deep sense of independence and resilience that she carried throughout her life. She was a devoted mother to three children: Lisa Hickey (Matt), Matt Schickel, and Raleigh Schickel (Deborah), and a proud grandmother to Olivia (25), Kenzie (22), Lily (13), Monya (13), and Evan (8), all of whom were the light of her life. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family, whom she loved fiercely and selflessly.

As a single mother, Laura worked tirelessly to provide for her family, balancing the demands of raising three spirited children with her job as a Facility Security Officer for a government defense contractor. She was known for her unwavering determination, boundless energy, and nurturing nature. No task was too big or too small for Laura—whether it was fixing a leaky faucet, building a greenhouse from scratch, or preparing a homemade meal (her cherry pie was legendary), she always rose to the challenge.

Laura’s talents were endless. She could sew intricate hand-smocked dresses, craft beautiful macramé plant holders, and was known to dive headfirst into new projects with enthusiasm and creativity. She loved gardening, windsurfing, and swimming, spending countless hours outdoors in the sunshine, and she found immense joy in the company of her grandchildren, often playing and creating cherished memories with them.

Laura was a woman of remarkable strength and resourcefulness, someone who could take on any challenge with grace and a sense of humor. She was deeply loved by her family and friends, and her spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Rest in peace, Laura. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.