This additional obituary written by Jean Ray Laury appeared in the print version of the Fresno Bee, but not in the online version. I think this is so sensible and graceful, another lesson from a classy lady. Del
I Write This For My Many Friends -
Don't mourn for me. I have had a long and happy life, a wonderful family, and an exciting and satisfying career.
My family includes Frank, my husband for most of over 60 years, who has always been incredibly supportive helpful, and fun to live with. Our son Tom is a voracious reader, and for more than forty years a bee-keeper. Tom's wife, Dr. Ritva Laury is a linguist who divides her time between Fresno and the University of Helsinki, Finland. Our daughter Lizabeth Laury works with horses and writes. Mike Brown teaches chemistry and physics at Washington Union High School. Ritva and Mike are very special additions to our family.
Our granddaughter Anna Laury, M.D., completed her final boards in 2010 and pursues her career in Boston. Her sister Emma Laury, J.D., graduated in May 2010 from law school, passed the California Bar and now works at OSHA in Washington, D.C..
Among my most cherished friends of many years are partner and coauthor on several books, Joyce Aiken; the talented and remarkable Stan Bitters, a diamond covered in clay dust; and Ruth Law, Los Angeles toy maker, and a friend for over sixty years.
It's been wonderful working with fellow artists and writers. My Book Club, which has met for over forty years, has been special, and I've enjoyed our discussion group, Dry Creek Seminar, and my writing groups.
I have always loved writing , and have had numerous books published, and many articles, parodies and essays. It has been a constant in my life. I recently completed a collection of stories, titled "Growing up in Doon, the 1930's: A Quilter's Memoir" about life in Iowa with my sisters, Jackie, Joan and Joyce.
My quilting career gave me the opportunity to travel the world: Japan, Australia, Canada, Norway, France, England, South Africa and many other countries. Quilting friends from across the United States have been an important part of my life, having always been enthusiastic and supportive in whatever I did. I was never far from home when I was with quilters. As wonderful as teaching and traveling were, getting back to Fresno felt like coming home. It has been wonderful being here with you. To all of you, thanks for being with me on this journey.
Remembrances maybe made to Hinds Hospice; Marjaree Mason Center; or at jeanraylaury@hotmail.com
Neptune Society of Central California, 1154 W. Shaw, Fresno, CA 559-222-7764
You may also enjoy the two interviews that Jean Ray did for the Alliance for the American Quilt: http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/qsos/record.php?by=quilter&key=Laury%2C+Jean+Ray
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1 comment:
Thanks for this Del, I think it's great she wrote it herself.
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