Laurie-Lou Yauch

Laurie was a beautiful soul and brought joy and warmth to those around her. She was a treasured and beloved wife, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend and will be remembered by all who knew her. She had a great sense of humor and loved music, travel, family, animals, and the beach. She and Richie shared a great love and have been reunited for eternity. Laurie’s song has ended, but her melody lingers on.

Laurie-Lou Lees Yauch was born April 17, 1950 in Kew Gardens, Queens, New York to the late John Joseph Lees and his wife, the late Dora Duncan Adams Lees Acker. She was the wife of the late Richard “Richie” Yauch from 1994 until his death in 2019.

Laurie was raised in Roslyn, NY, graduated from Roslyn High School, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy from Florida State University. She was an accomplished vocalist and music therapist, working with children and, later in her career, elderly residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In addition to her love of music, Laurie enjoyed going to the beach, traveling, animals, going to the theater and sporting events, and socializing with friends and family.

In addition to her husband and parents, Laurie was predeceased by her late husband’s parents, Harold Jerome Yauch, Jr. and Angelina Cavaluzzi Yauch; her brother-in-law, Robert Jerome Yauch; and two sisters'-in-law, Linda Yauch Reese and Doris Whipple Lees.

She is survived by brothers Donald “Don” Lees of TX and John “Skip” (Marilyn) Lees of CA; nieces Jorie (Nick) Lees of Chico, CA and Nelle (Jason) Lees of OR; nephews Matthew (Kim) Lees of TX and Andrew (Alex) Lees of NC; and 6 great nieces and nephews. On her late husband’s side, she is survived by Colin Reese of NY, Charles Yauch of NJ, Christopher Yauch of NY, and Robert Yauch of NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the National Cancer Society.

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