A friendship formed:
Laurel and I started a relationship through a mutual love for our children, Jon and Nicole. It started with their wedding that we planned long distance, Laurel in Indiana and me in Connecticut planning a wedding in Williamsport, PA! We did it effortlessly, mutually agreeing to the wishes of the bride and groom while adding the finishing touches we that we felt were needed. We had the help of siblings on both sides; beautiful phôtography thanks to Rob and Durinda and thoughtful gift bags for the guests thanks to Meredith and Gary. From Pennsylvania, the trek to San Diego in caravan led by Laurel and Bob, left the newly-weds to settle in with new jobs at the "world famous"zoo.
Then came Sophia! She entered the world amid problems of her own and it was the decision of the two grandmothers on the phone that night of November 13th, 2010, that they needed to be there to see that she made it through! So it was that we all met in San Diego and spent the days back and forth to the hospital to the NICU!
After that, we coordinated the schedule of child-care! Bob and Laurel would go out to San Diego first and look after Sophia once Nicole returned to work. Laurel found the infamous condo that we would mutually rent to give Sophia a good year of grandparenting! Again we worked together to make the transition effortlessly, even with the onslaught of Laurel's shocking diagnosis! How could it be, we wondered? 
From there, we spent hours on the phone after each treatment, always with positive thoughts sharing our heartfelt love for our granddaughter. Laurel fought long and hard. We shared countless memories from our past, being from the same generation, we found we had much in common. Most often, we laughed, a lot. Humor came natural for Laurel and she never let negative thoughts dominate. I always looked forward to our long talks, as I suppose Bob and Bill did, too! 
As is the nature of this wretched disease, our talks grew fewer and fewer, but we knew that the bond was there and would never be broken. Our thoughts and our children still connected us. Laurel fought the fight for her family. She will live on in the beautiful grandchild that brought us together and in the memories of her family who she loved dearly. I will miss her.

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear.  We share your grief.

Laurel was a shining star!   She always had a welcoming and ready smile which could instantly make one feel better just from seeing her.  One can only wish to have the gifts that she had.   "Farewell" to a beautiful woman.  Our heartfelt condolences to Bob and all the family.

There are no earthly walls in heaven to constrain Laurel's great heart, great laugh, and great life.  She lived well and fully, and lives on in her family's love.

Your love and laughter will forever be a part of me.

The world is a lesser place without Laurel's wit, humor, and intelligence.  She knew no stranger and could make anyone laugh. Laurel loved her family above all else. She was a part of the family of my heart for many years and I will miss her friendship more than words can say. Heartfelt condolences to Bob and her beloved children.

OBITUARY

Laurel J. White Rold

Born FEBRUARY 24, 1948

Alexander Memorial Park

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