Laura Soliz
Aug 13th 1961 - Sep 13th 2009
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Vicki Foreback
October 7th 2009
foreback_v@stjohns.edzone.net
I was sorry to hear of Laura's passing. I have fun memories from YEARS ago when there were tennis lessons down at the Elsie park in the summer. I took lessons, as did she. She was always so nice and friendly to me, a younger, annoying kid. She was a nice person.
Marge Owings
September 21st 2009
armo321@comcast.net
I met Laurie several yrs. ago while being a new HR Mgr. I had many questions and she also had time for me. We met on several occasions as she would come to my store and Laurie never came without a smile and a hug. I planned on going to Alaska next year and hoped to see her.
Laurie there is a terrible hole in all of hearts now that you are not here but you will never be forgotten.
We will love and miss you.
Julie Soliz Herron
September 21st 2009
jsherron78745@yahoo.com
Laurie came to live with my parents and our family while she attended Central Michigan University. The day she walked through our front door with her luggage is the day she became my big sister. I didn’t have sisters, so she meant the world to me. She was living with us when my dad decided to move our family to Texas. Laurie, always up for an adventure, decided to move with us. I had a difficult time leaving my girlfriends and made my parents miserable because of their decision to move. Laurie, the family peacemaker, tried to sell me on this “Texas adventure”. I think she was an angel sent from God to help me throughout my life.
Whenever I was mad at my parents, she would talk sense into me, and eventually I would see that they were just trying to help in their own strange ways.
Laurie always looked for the humor, beauty, and good in everything. Last night, as I was flying back home, I looked out the plane window. I never look out of the plane window when I fly, but last night I did. I saw the most beautiful pink and purple horizon with a tiny sliver of the moon, barely visible in all that pink. It felt like Laurie was smiling at me from Heaven as I took in the beautiful view. It was as though she was telling me, “look at what God let me do for you”. She always liked to point out things she thought were beautiful. I remembered her telling me on several occasions, “Oh look Jules, it’s that just so beautiful”. She wanted everyone to see the beauty in things.
As my flight went over the Dallas area, I saw lightening in the distance. The lightening was hidden behind clouds, so it looked like spotlights flickering. I was wishing I knew Mores code because I wondered if Laurie was trying to tell me something.
This morning, while driving into work, I saw the sun outline the top of a cloud. Just the top of the cloud had the outline. Again, I saw Laurie’s smile and heard her laugh. I whispered to Laurie, “Okay, now you are showing off, and I love it! Keep it coming. I see you in all of the beautiful things you are sharing with me.”
I miss you Laurie. I would like to thank you for introducing me to our relatives when I was in Michigan for Grandma Soliz’ funeral. I never got to thank you for that. It's been a joy to get to know Esme and her family.
I vaguely remember thanking you for being a sister to me. I hope you know how much I loved and appreciated you. Rest in peace my beautiful cousin.
yolanda chapko
September 20th 2009
yolandachapko@yahoo.com
Whenever I hear the name Laurie Soliz, the first thing that comes to mind is a Genuine Smile. She was such a kind loving soul,reminded me of an angel on earth. I also share her love of the little souls of the earth.Gods children are here to be loved and nurished until he calls them back. How do we heal the pain and emptyness of a beautiful soul gone from our sight? We are to remember to trust in GOD and seek his strength,and also he sends friends and family to send his message.In your darkest hour which seems like there well be many remember Lauries Smile, for she will be sending you hugs from above. Until we meet again Laurie,
your like a beautiful breeze on a warm sunny day. Forever in GODS LOVE.
Kim Somers McClelland
September 18th 2009
milkman111@verizon.net
I'll always have a place in my heart for Laurie. We rode the bus together for years, were locker partners all thru high school and were good friends. Even though I didn't see much of her during her move to Alaska I thought about her especially during the summer since it was our 30th class reunion. I'll certainly miss her especially that laugh and big smile:)
Shelly Driscoll - Anchorage, Alaska
September 18th 2009
sdriscoll@scf.cc
I just wanted to share some other information as well. We got the account open for Laurie's grandbabies up here in Alaska, of which was listed in the obituary in the hometown paper, however, the name of the bank was not. It is Wells Fargo Bank, Acct # 7734482727. This will be published in the Anchorage Daily News this weekend with her obituary. Anyone can go into any branch with this account number and make a deposit, nation wide. Thanks for your support!
Shelly Driscoll - Anchorage, Alaska
September 18th 2009
sdriscoll@scf.cc
I will never forget our trip to Southern California, a place that I grew up in and Laurie had never been to. We took a drive down to Newport Beach and the excitement in her face when she stuck her feet in the warm pacific ocean was priceless and will always be emblazed in one of my beautiful memories of the kindest soul that I have ever met and will always cherish the fact that she came into my life even it was for the (4) short years I knew her! Be a peace my dear friend you will always be in our hearts, thoughts and as sun came up over the beautiful mountain range this morning, I thought of you as that glorious applenglow came over the mountain!
Laurie (Mead) Decatur
September 17th 2009
jimddewitt4@aol.com
My thoughts, prayers, & condolences are with Laurie's family & especially Lisa. I remember riding the bus & seeing her smiling face in the hallways. She did have a way of making you feel important & special, and we shared a bond because our names were the same. I am saddened to learn of her passing , so young, but God needed her in Heaven more than we did down here on earth for some unknown reason. Take comfort that we will see her once again someday. God Bless YOU all & keep you in the palm of his hand during this time. Laurie
Rick Falck
September 17th 2009
kclaf12@aol.com
My name is Rick and I was fortunate to know Laurie in my position as Store Manager in Corunna.
Where do you start when you think and remember a person as special as Laurie. First I want to give my condolences to the family and foremost to Rachel. Rachel I am sure you probably do not remember me but I do remember you visiting your Mom in her office. I also remember your picture on the left side of her desk as there were times when Laurie might be a little down (if you can imagine that) and her re-assurance for all her efforts and hard work was a simple glance at that picture and she remembered and understood why she worked as hard as she did.
I attended the funeral today and it was obvious we all knew the same Laurie. The never ending smiles, the eternal optimist, living proof that passion for what you believe in and perseverence to achieve are rewarded with success. Not only was she able to motivate herself but through example she was able to motivate others to be better. She will tell you she learned from me, I will tell you I learned from her. It was no accident that she was in the Human Resource field. It was the natural place for her to be. There are few people in a lifetime that you will come across that consistently wear the obvious expression of love for others, this world and life. She is one of them.
Tragic and senseless ending to a life that had so much left to offer.
We can assume now that she is counsel to the Human Resource group at a much higher level.....probably questioning his decisions too in her effort to make things better for everyone.
Cheryl Barton
September 17th 2009
bcbarton@michonline.net
I met Laurie when she moved to the Corunna Kmart location after the birth of Racheal. She very much left her mark on our store as her enthusiasm was so contagious.
While she served as human resource at our store, her extreme efforts motivating the organization, earned the Good News Award from the company for the year. That was quite a feat for our small organization. Laurie focused us on so many charity activities and events and recorded it all in a photo book of memories.
On a personal level, Laurie was a very good friend to all of us. She always was encouraging and motivating, always saw the best in everyone. I have many very fond memories of Laurie's involvement in my personal life. My prayers go too all of her family and friends, Racheal and her family and Laurie's precious grand-babies that she dearly adored.
Shelly Smith (Noble)
September 17th 2009
creationsci@usa.com
Laurie is one of my dear cousins. What I remember most about Laurie is her sweet spirit, her heart-warming smile and her unconditional love. Laurie always seemed glad to see you and she had a way of making a person feel special and important. Even though I didn’t get to see Laurie very often, she was special to me and I will miss her dearly. I wish I could be in Michigan with you all now, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless, Shelly Smith (Noble)
Betsy Koan
September 16th 2009
Bkoan1256@wowway.com
I met Laurie when I worked for Kmart in Corunna. She was a great person. She always knew how to solve problems. She became a good friend to me. I worked with her for 11 years. We did charity work together too. She had a wonderful smile. I think of her often. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Soliz family.
Kristie Shatley
September 16th 2009
kristieshatley@comcast.net
I had the great honor of meeting Laurie from her sister, Becky. Although I have only spoke with her a few times, I feel honored to have met such a wonderful WARM person. She was always very kind to me and my children. Her smile was one not to be forgotten. Just being in her presence could make the gloomiest of days cheerful. To the Soliz family: Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Although I have not met all of you, I feel like I know you from all of the wonderful stories Becky has sharred with me over the last few years. God Bless each and every one of you! Love, Kristie Shatley (Becky's Neighbor)
September 16th 2009
I couldn't tell you how many times I hung out at Laurie's house when I was growing up. I rode the bus to school with her. She always had a smile on her face, and just being in her presence made me feel happy. Her family is just the most wonderful family you could ever meet. I will miss her laughter and her beautiful smile. God bless you Laurie!
Tim Soliz
September 16th 2009
tsoliz@hotmail.com
There aint enough space for me to record my favorite memories of Laurie, because every time I was able to see her was a memory for me. After we both graduated from high school, we essentially went our separate ways, except that for a few years we did both live in the OE area. The day I left to join the Army, she was holding the hands of my two sons as they waved bye-bye to me. Seeing Laurie after that time was a rare treat. However, out of the blue, she'd call and we'd talk for a while and catch up with each other and share the family gossip. There was a stretch of 10 years where our paths never seemed to cross, but she came to visit me (along w/ our sister Becky) in 2008 and we got to visit DC and NYC and the Baltimore area. Laurie LOVED sightseeing! She made it so fun. Then she made a surprise trip down from Alaska to Arizona in July 2009 to see me retire from the Army, and it was nice to close that loop of my service time with her there to share in my special moment.
I've had the pleasure of meeting her coworkers in Alaska as I go through some of her papers, etc., and it was so heartwarming and totally UNshocking to hear so many of them talk glowingly about Laurie. She touched many lives in a positive way. It's who she was.
Rachelle Stockman
September 16th 2009
rmarie1217@yahoo.com
I met Laurie while working at KMart in Kenai, AK. She always had a bright smile and kind word for everyone. She was a sweetheart and helped me feel better when I started to get homesick. She was a great gal and she will be missed.
rachael soliz
September 15th 2009
rachaelsoliz@aol.com
My mom was a giver and a helper untl the very end. Because she felt the strong need to help all the time she was always there no matter the time or day and that was how she left this world. I remember my moms hugs. When she always arrived she would walk in the door and hold out her arms so I could run right in to them, and she would rap me in her strong grip and I never wanted to let go because I felt so safe there and with her. Her perfume would fill my nose and the softness of her sweater made it so I could have stayed there forever.I new I was safe with her. her laughter could always break my sadness or temper tamptrums. she loved her family and most of all my 6 kids, but as soon as she got here they were her babies. no matter what they belonged to her and they loved her so.
Vicki Foreback
October 7th 2009
foreback_v@stjohns.edzone.net
I was sorry to hear of Laura's passing. I have fun memories from YEARS ago when there were tennis lessons down at the Elsie park in the summer. I took lessons, as did she. She was always so nice and friendly to me, a younger, annoying kid. She was a nice person.
Marge Owings
September 21st 2009
armo321@comcast.net
I met Laurie several yrs. ago while being a new HR Mgr. I had many questions and she also had time for me. We met on several occasions as she would come to my store and Laurie never came without a smile and a hug. I planned on going to Alaska next year and hoped to see her.
Laurie there is a terrible hole in all of hearts now that you are not here but you will never be forgotten.
We will love and miss you.
Julie Soliz Herron
September 21st 2009
jsherron78745@yahoo.com
Laurie came to live with my parents and our family while she attended Central Michigan University. The day she walked through our front door with her luggage is the day she became my big sister. I didn’t have sisters, so she meant the world to me. She was living with us when my dad decided to move our family to Texas. Laurie, always up for an adventure, decided to move with us. I had a difficult time leaving my girlfriends and made my parents miserable because of their decision to move. Laurie, the family peacemaker, tried to sell me on this “Texas adventure”. I think she was an angel sent from God to help me throughout my life.
Whenever I was mad at my parents, she would talk sense into me, and eventually I would see that they were just trying to help in their own strange ways.
Laurie always looked for the humor, beauty, and good in everything. Last night, as I was flying back home, I looked out the plane window. I never look out of the plane window when I fly, but last night I did. I saw the most beautiful pink and purple horizon with a tiny sliver of the moon, barely visible in all that pink. It felt like Laurie was smiling at me from Heaven as I took in the beautiful view. It was as though she was telling me, “look at what God let me do for you”. She always liked to point out things she thought were beautiful. I remembered her telling me on several occasions, “Oh look Jules, it’s that just so beautiful”. She wanted everyone to see the beauty in things.
As my flight went over the Dallas area, I saw lightening in the distance. The lightening was hidden behind clouds, so it looked like spotlights flickering. I was wishing I knew Mores code because I wondered if Laurie was trying to tell me something.
This morning, while driving into work, I saw the sun outline the top of a cloud. Just the top of the cloud had the outline. Again, I saw Laurie’s smile and heard her laugh. I whispered to Laurie, “Okay, now you are showing off, and I love it! Keep it coming. I see you in all of the beautiful things you are sharing with me.”
I miss you Laurie. I would like to thank you for introducing me to our relatives when I was in Michigan for Grandma Soliz’ funeral. I never got to thank you for that. It's been a joy to get to know Esme and her family.
I vaguely remember thanking you for being a sister to me. I hope you know how much I loved and appreciated you. Rest in peace my beautiful cousin.
yolanda chapko
September 20th 2009
yolandachapko@yahoo.com
Whenever I hear the name Laurie Soliz, the first thing that comes to mind is a Genuine Smile. She was such a kind loving soul,reminded me of an angel on earth. I also share her love of the little souls of the earth.Gods children are here to be loved and nurished until he calls them back. How do we heal the pain and emptyness of a beautiful soul gone from our sight? We are to remember to trust in GOD and seek his strength,and also he sends friends and family to send his message.In your darkest hour which seems like there well be many remember Lauries Smile, for she will be sending you hugs from above. Until we meet again Laurie,
your like a beautiful breeze on a warm sunny day. Forever in GODS LOVE.
Kim Somers McClelland
September 18th 2009
milkman111@verizon.net
I'll always have a place in my heart for Laurie. We rode the bus together for years, were locker partners all thru high school and were good friends. Even though I didn't see much of her during her move to Alaska I thought about her especially during the summer since it was our 30th class reunion. I'll certainly miss her especially that laugh and big smile:)
Shelly Driscoll - Anchorage, Alaska
September 18th 2009
sdriscoll@scf.cc
I just wanted to share some other information as well. We got the account open for Laurie's grandbabies up here in Alaska, of which was listed in the obituary in the hometown paper, however, the name of the bank was not. It is Wells Fargo Bank, Acct # 7734482727. This will be published in the Anchorage Daily News this weekend with her obituary. Anyone can go into any branch with this account number and make a deposit, nation wide. Thanks for your support!
Shelly Driscoll - Anchorage, Alaska
September 18th 2009
sdriscoll@scf.cc
I will never forget our trip to Southern California, a place that I grew up in and Laurie had never been to. We took a drive down to Newport Beach and the excitement in her face when she stuck her feet in the warm pacific ocean was priceless and will always be emblazed in one of my beautiful memories of the kindest soul that I have ever met and will always cherish the fact that she came into my life even it was for the (4) short years I knew her! Be a peace my dear friend you will always be in our hearts, thoughts and as sun came up over the beautiful mountain range this morning, I thought of you as that glorious applenglow came over the mountain!
Laurie (Mead) Decatur
September 17th 2009
jimddewitt4@aol.com
My thoughts, prayers, & condolences are with Laurie's family & especially Lisa. I remember riding the bus & seeing her smiling face in the hallways. She did have a way of making you feel important & special, and we shared a bond because our names were the same. I am saddened to learn of her passing , so young, but God needed her in Heaven more than we did down here on earth for some unknown reason. Take comfort that we will see her once again someday. God Bless YOU all & keep you in the palm of his hand during this time. Laurie
Rick Falck
September 17th 2009
kclaf12@aol.com
My name is Rick and I was fortunate to know Laurie in my position as Store Manager in Corunna.
Where do you start when you think and remember a person as special as Laurie. First I want to give my condolences to the family and foremost to Rachel. Rachel I am sure you probably do not remember me but I do remember you visiting your Mom in her office. I also remember your picture on the left side of her desk as there were times when Laurie might be a little down (if you can imagine that) and her re-assurance for all her efforts and hard work was a simple glance at that picture and she remembered and understood why she worked as hard as she did.
I attended the funeral today and it was obvious we all knew the same Laurie. The never ending smiles, the eternal optimist, living proof that passion for what you believe in and perseverence to achieve are rewarded with success. Not only was she able to motivate herself but through example she was able to motivate others to be better. She will tell you she learned from me, I will tell you I learned from her. It was no accident that she was in the Human Resource field. It was the natural place for her to be. There are few people in a lifetime that you will come across that consistently wear the obvious expression of love for others, this world and life. She is one of them.
Tragic and senseless ending to a life that had so much left to offer.
We can assume now that she is counsel to the Human Resource group at a much higher level.....probably questioning his decisions too in her effort to make things better for everyone.
Cheryl Barton
September 17th 2009
bcbarton@michonline.net
I met Laurie when she moved to the Corunna Kmart location after the birth of Racheal. She very much left her mark on our store as her enthusiasm was so contagious.
While she served as human resource at our store, her extreme efforts motivating the organization, earned the Good News Award from the company for the year. That was quite a feat for our small organization. Laurie focused us on so many charity activities and events and recorded it all in a photo book of memories.
On a personal level, Laurie was a very good friend to all of us. She always was encouraging and motivating, always saw the best in everyone. I have many very fond memories of Laurie's involvement in my personal life. My prayers go too all of her family and friends, Racheal and her family and Laurie's precious grand-babies that she dearly adored.
Shelly Smith (Noble)
September 17th 2009
creationsci@usa.com
Laurie is one of my dear cousins. What I remember most about Laurie is her sweet spirit, her heart-warming smile and her unconditional love. Laurie always seemed glad to see you and she had a way of making a person feel special and important. Even though I didn’t get to see Laurie very often, she was special to me and I will miss her dearly. I wish I could be in Michigan with you all now, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless, Shelly Smith (Noble)
Betsy Koan
September 16th 2009
Bkoan1256@wowway.com
I met Laurie when I worked for Kmart in Corunna. She was a great person. She always knew how to solve problems. She became a good friend to me. I worked with her for 11 years. We did charity work together too. She had a wonderful smile. I think of her often. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Soliz family.
Kristie Shatley
September 16th 2009
kristieshatley@comcast.net
I had the great honor of meeting Laurie from her sister, Becky. Although I have only spoke with her a few times, I feel honored to have met such a wonderful WARM person. She was always very kind to me and my children. Her smile was one not to be forgotten. Just being in her presence could make the gloomiest of days cheerful. To the Soliz family: Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Although I have not met all of you, I feel like I know you from all of the wonderful stories Becky has sharred with me over the last few years. God Bless each and every one of you! Love, Kristie Shatley (Becky's Neighbor)
September 16th 2009
I couldn't tell you how many times I hung out at Laurie's house when I was growing up. I rode the bus to school with her. She always had a smile on her face, and just being in her presence made me feel happy. Her family is just the most wonderful family you could ever meet. I will miss her laughter and her beautiful smile. God bless you Laurie!
Tim Soliz
September 16th 2009
tsoliz@hotmail.com
There aint enough space for me to record my favorite memories of Laurie, because every time I was able to see her was a memory for me. After we both graduated from high school, we essentially went our separate ways, except that for a few years we did both live in the OE area. The day I left to join the Army, she was holding the hands of my two sons as they waved bye-bye to me. Seeing Laurie after that time was a rare treat. However, out of the blue, she'd call and we'd talk for a while and catch up with each other and share the family gossip. There was a stretch of 10 years where our paths never seemed to cross, but she came to visit me (along w/ our sister Becky) in 2008 and we got to visit DC and NYC and the Baltimore area. Laurie LOVED sightseeing! She made it so fun. Then she made a surprise trip down from Alaska to Arizona in July 2009 to see me retire from the Army, and it was nice to close that loop of my service time with her there to share in my special moment.
I've had the pleasure of meeting her coworkers in Alaska as I go through some of her papers, etc., and it was so heartwarming and totally UNshocking to hear so many of them talk glowingly about Laurie. She touched many lives in a positive way. It's who she was.
Rachelle Stockman
September 16th 2009
rmarie1217@yahoo.com
I met Laurie while working at KMart in Kenai, AK. She always had a bright smile and kind word for everyone. She was a sweetheart and helped me feel better when I started to get homesick. She was a great gal and she will be missed.
rachael soliz
September 15th 2009
rachaelsoliz@aol.com
My mom was a giver and a helper untl the very end. Because she felt the strong need to help all the time she was always there no matter the time or day and that was how she left this world. I remember my moms hugs. When she always arrived she would walk in the door and hold out her arms so I could run right in to them, and she would rap me in her strong grip and I never wanted to let go because I felt so safe there and with her. Her perfume would fill my nose and the softness of her sweater made it so I could have stayed there forever.I new I was safe with her. her laughter could always break my sadness or temper tamptrums. she loved her family and most of all my 6 kids, but as soon as she got here they were her babies. no matter what they belonged to her and they loved her so.
