Laura Ann Smith, 30
Laura Ann Smith, 30, of Moxee, Wash., passed away Oct. 14, 2010, in Seattle. She was born Aug. 21, 1980, in Olympia, Wash., to Leonard and Sharon Smith and spent her early childhood there. When she was 12, Laura moved to the Yakima Valley where she attended schools in Selah and Yakima, graduating from Eisenhower High School in 1999.
Laura received her associate's degree from Perry Technical Institute, her bachelor's and master's degrees from City University in Seattle, and was working on her doctorate in business and marketing. She was a talented graphic artist, owned her owned her own business, Everything but the Dress, in Yakima, and had recently begun teaching online business classes. Laura was thrilled the first time a student called her professor.
Laura was a beautiful person with a vibrant smile and a sweet, loving nature. She had a big heart and was always willing to lend a hand to any of her many friends. She loved her work, her pets, and organizing parties; and enjoyed camping with friends and traveling.
She was at the best point in her life, passionate about her work, and looking forward to marriage to her fiancé Nick Gamache. She loved and was loved by so many people and held a special place in her heart for her Mimi Charlotte Bunnell, her close friends, and her nephew Cashius Logan. She will be missed by everyone and will remain in our hearts.
Laura is survived by her parents, Irene Sharon Bunnell of Olympia, and Leonard and Shelley Smith of Kalispell; her grandmothers, Charlotte Bunnell of Olympia and Helen Palagi of Great Falls; sisters, Heather Nichols and Cameron Guilliams of Spokane, Hilary and Flint Baker, and Jesse Nichols of Great Falls; brother, Jason, and Lindsey Nichols, of Great Falls; her fiancé, Nick Gamache, and his family of Moxee; uncles, Ron, Lawrence, Leonard, Lorrin, Lance and Michael; aunts, Joyce, Sharry and Renee; nephews, Luc, Grayson and Cashius; niece, Sophie; and many cousins.
As Laura said on her Facebook page: “I like the color pink, everywhere. I like funny things. I like the outdoors. I ‘heart’ Jager. I have a thing for Vegas. My friends mean the world to me. I have the world's most amazing, incredible boyfriend who supports my growth and personal learning each and every day. I believe in fate and that things happen for a reason. I've learned life is hard but there's so much to get out of the rough parts ... you just have to look closely; don't take time for granted. Tell those you love what needs to be said no matter how difficult it may be. There will come a day you can't say it to them anymore. I love and miss my family. I am content in my life.”
Services have taken place in Yakima.
Donations may be made in Laura's name to her nephew, Cashius Logan, by visiting www.babycashius.com.