Laura Price Evans

Laura grew up in Houston and, although she was diagnosed with asthma at a young age, she enjoyed an active life. She took dance lessons, played softball and was a Girl Scout. She loved horseback riding and swimming. Laura attended Bellaire High School where she made many lifelong friends. She continued school in San Marcos and Austin before marrying Kenneth “Boo” Bingman and becoming a Navy wife. She was able to live in many coastal towns in Texas, Florida and California before making her ultimate move to Hawaii.

Shortly after moving to the island of Kauai Laura’s strength and courage were tested as Hurricane Iniki decimated the island. Laura was alone when the hurricane moved directly over the island as her husband was deployed at the time. It would not be the last time she had to face difficult circumstances.

Laura loved her island home and later married Andy Evans. She assisted him in building his boat charter business into one of the most successful on the island. She enjoyed working in the tourism and hospitality business and worked with several hotels on the island. This led her to open her own company The Activity Hut which operated for many years before being sold to Expedia.

In 2000 Laura’s son Jackson was born and from that point he was the shining light of her life. Her focus was always on raising him to be inquisitive and empathetic. Together they had many adventures as they not only explored the Hawaiian islands but also traveled the world. Laura supported Jackson in all he did, particularly his activities at the Island School and with the YMCA swim team on Kauai. She was always quick to volunteer to be a chauffeur, chaperone, costume maker, party planner and fundraiser. Her home was always open to Jackson’s friends.

At a relatively young age Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer. This began another aspect of her life where her strength, courage and determination were tested over and over again. Through many ups and downs, procedures and hospitalizations, Laura defied her diagnosis. Her fight continued over many years and her tenacity inspired everyone around her.

Those that knew Laura best will remember her for her infectious smile and quick (and sometimes biting) wit. She had a sharp mind and a flair for design and decor. She was loyal to her family and friends to the point that she often put their well-being above her own. Most of all she was fiercely independent, never asking for help or assistance, even in her last days.

Laura was always drawn to the ocean. She loved the sight, sound and feel of water and it gave her a great sense of comfort and peace. There is a Hawaiian proverb “La’i lua ke kai” - The Sea is Very Calm, Deep, and Peaceful. At last Laura has found the peace that she sought for so long.

Laura leaves behind many friends and family that will love her always and miss her dearly. She is survived by her siblings Kathy Westmoreland and Hollis Price Jr, her nieces Megan Westmoreland (husband Will Fifer) and Shannon Westmoreland (husband Chester Rose and daughter Riley Rose). Most importantly she leaves behind her loving son Jackson Kainoa Evans and her labradoodle Noni, neither of whom left her side during her last days.

The family would like to thank Laura’s many friends that offered their support over the years, particularly Glenda and Kathy in Houston and Laura’s Kauai ohana Laurie, Jody, Valerie and Kat.

Many thanks to those who cared for Laura including Dr. Vicente Valero and Dr. Benjamin Smith at MD Anderson Cancer Center, The Care Team Hospice, and her caregivers Rita, Reina, Lee and Victoria.

For those wishing to join the fight against cancer in Laura’s memory, contributions may be made to :

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 4486, Houston TX 77210-4486 or http://mdanderson.org/gifts

Please specify that gifts should be designated to breast cancer research in memory of Laura Evans to ensure that donations are directed appropriately.