Laura Ann (Laurie) Ware was born February 28, 1932, in Kirkland, Washington, to parents Claude and Mozelle (Payne) Leavitt, while living in Hobart, Washington. As her father grew a logging operation, the family moved to Marblemount, Day Creek and then in 1944, to Sedro Woolley where she graduated from high school. Each move presented her with the challenge of making new friends, learning new life-skills and making the best of opportunities around her, serving to build a great foundation for the rest of her life.

In 1949, she married Robert (Bob) Nemo, also of Sedro Woolley, and in 1951 they moved to Malott, where Bob started his career as a teacher and school administrator. When Bob began teaching in Stanwood in 1953, Laurie was now closer to her family and old school friends, and gatherings and adventures with them became a happy and important part of her life.In Stanwood, Laurie took to raising a growing family and becoming an active community member and volunteer in such activities as the PTA and March of Dimes. As her kids grew older, she dipped her toe into the working world and drove pea truck for Twin City Foods in the summer. After a divorce, Laurie became a single working mom who needed a better job to survive and support her family. She attended Skagit Success Business College in Mt. Vernon, which included taking and then teaching a "Charm School" class, to gain new skills and make herself more employable in what at the time was a very male-dominated world with stereotyped jobs and expectations for women in the workplace.

Laurie married John Ware in 1969 and continued to live in Stanwood. After a variety of office clerical jobs, Laurie went to work in 1970 as a teller for First Federal Savings and Loan in Stanwood. When the company was subsequently acquired by Washington Federal Savings and Loan, Laurie found she now had many new career opportunities. She used her charm, skills, and ambition to advance through the organization, eventually becoming the Corporate Vice President of Human Resources, working out of their headquarters in downtown Seattle.

After a divorce in 1986, Laurie moved to Edmonds to be closer to work. She quickly adjusted to her new hometown, made life-long friends, and became active in community organizations, including the Soroptimist International Club where she would help organize activities and fundraising campaigns. She once personally raised over $9,000 for breast cancer research by walking over 60 miles in 3 days and sleeping in a tent overnight.

Laurie retired from Washington Federal in 1994, after working there 24 years, and in 2004 moved to Utsalady Point on Camano Island where she quickly integrated into the neighborhood and community. Laurie joined the Utsalady Ladies Aid Society and became an active member, expanding her network of friends. Laurie was always raising her hand to volunteer and assume project and organization leadership roles, including serving as ULA President. Laurie wanted to stay active with the Soroptimist's, so she set about to establish a Chapter in Stanwood/Camano and remained active in that Chapter for many years.

Laurie also had an itch to be an entrepreneur, probably a result of her playing "storekeeper" for hours as a young girl (when there was no tv or video games) and in 2010 opened Laurie's Boutique in Stanwood. The store, and Laurie, were both at the center of efforts by the business community to revitalize the downtown area. The store remains a successful business, now owned and managed by daughter-in-law Sue Nemo.

As Laurie grew older, she took on the challenge of living independently, seriously, and proudly, though always mindful and grateful for a helpful family, friends, and neighbors. Laurie kept her calendar packed with activities that she was organizing, hosting, or participating in. She treasured time with her friends and family.

In addition to her parents, Laurie was preceded in death by sister Cordelia Bryson and her son Dan and daughter Diane, and brother Claude Leavitt. Laurie is survived by sister Mary (Jim) Hordyk (New Plymouth, ID). Surviving children are David (Gail) Nemo of Portland, OR; Jane Nemo Latimer of Lebanon, OR; Doug (Sue) Nemo of Camano Island; and stepdaughter Cindy Heath of Stanwood. Other surviving relatives include granddaughters Lisa (Jason) Williams and Jordan (Matt) Nemo-Pszonka; great grandsons Dylan (Thea) Williams, and Liam and Wyatt Pszonka; great-great granddaughter Blayke Williams, and several dear nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Laurie passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at Providence Hospital in Everett, after suffering a stroke at her home two days earlier.

Laurie was interred in Lyman Cemetery (WA), in a private family service.

A Celebration of Laurie's life will be held at 1:30 pm on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Hotel Indigo, 1028 13th Street, Everett, WA. Mention Ware Event if making hotel reservations (425-217-2772) for special rate.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Laurie's memory can be made to your charity of choice, or one of those closest to her at this time:

Utsalady Ladies Aid: PO Box 1435, Stanwood, WA 98292

Camano Center: 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island, WA 98282 View Memorial Photo Album: https://shorturl.at/aeqJV