Laurie Lee Long died at her home Nov. 5, 2006 with her family at her bedside.
She was born in Seattle, Wash., March 9, 1952.
She grew up in the Martha Lake area of south Snohomish County. She graduated from Mountlake Terrace High School and afterwards attended Shoreline Community College. She met her husband, Frank, while living and working in the Pacific Northwest. They were married in March 1977. For several years they lived in the Cascades near the town of Cle Elum, where their three children were born. They then moved to Stanwood, where they lived, worked, and raised their family.
Later in life Laurie decided to return to school. She attended Western Washington University and received her bachelors degree in Education. She went on to receive her masters degree in Art from the University of Idaho.
Laurie began her teaching career at the Lakewood School District and ended her career at Marysville Pilchuck High School. It was at M-PHS that she worked with special needs children. She loved working with the children and the children loved her.
In 1998 Laurie was diagnosed with colon cancer. After a tough battle, the cancer went into remission and she thrived with no symptoms of any continued illness. Sadly though, in the fall of 2005 Laurie came down with a case of pneumonia which revealed that her cancer had returned.
During the past year Laurie had radiation treatment and gamma knife surgery. In August 2006 the doctors decided that nothing more could be done and Laurie entered Hospice.
Laurie enjoyed her horses. She loved to ride in the hills and mountains of Washington. She loved animals and was a true animal person. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed gardening. Laurie also loved art and worked in a variety of different mediums.
Laurie is survived by her mother, Thelma Quay; her husband, Frank Long; her daughters, Ashley and Trista; her son, Tiran; and also her brothers Robert, Jeff and Russel; and her sister, Pam Quay.
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006, at St. Cecilias Catholic Church in Stanwood.
Laurie will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Memorials are suggested to Education Funds of Lakewood, Marysville schools, or the charity of your choice.