Some people spend their days simply living each moment as if to only get on to the next step, the next phase, the next moment. This is not the way in which Laurie Jondall lived her life, rather she drank in each and every moment as though its very perfume intoxicated her soul. Laurie orchestrated the symphony that has become her legacy with sweet harmonies that captivated her listeners leaving them craving more – more moments with such an extraordinary woman. She had a way of drawing others to her and to each person she became what they needed most at the time, never losing herself, but engraving a part of her strong spirit upon the hearts of each of them, their lives never the same.
During a year in which the first two United States military companies arrived in Vietnam and East Germany began constructing the Berlin Wall, the world was certainly a tumultuous place in which to live. However, there was beauty to be found in the year 1961 too as it was also in this year that our nation had sworn in the young John F. Kennedy as its 35th President, The Beatles had taken the world by storm, and West Side Story was released as a film. This was also a year of great significance to Thomas III and Annette (Franklin) Small as they were celebrating the birth of their daughter, Laurie, on May 27th. Laurie was one of six children in her family and it was during her formative years that her zest for life emerged. Her heritage was rooted in the majestic splendor of nature in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where the water, the falls, and the surrounding beauty caught her poetic eye and she captured her view of nature with every click of the camera. Even as a child Laurie delighted in nature and being outside exploring her world. She even devoured nature too, as her brother can attest to, as the pair ate worms, or rather he coerced her into eating them as only brothers can! In all actuality, every part of nature captivated Laurie, worms and all.
Although much of Laurie’s time was spent enjoying nature, there were other aspects of her life as well. She attended local schools and graduated from Lawton High School in 1979 and was working on a degree in conservation. A new chapter in Laurie’s life would begin when she married her one true love, John Jondall. He was so much more than a husband to Laurie, he was also her best friend. Their relationship was one of shared interests and the path they chose to walk together was one of mutual respect. They were two halves joined together by the realization that sometimes the world is a difficult place, but they are stronger together – no longer two halves, but a whole.
There were many things that were a part of Laurie’s life, her love of nature, photography and the family and friends she treasured. She had a unique relationship with each of her siblings not only caring for them, but participating in their lives and the lives of their children. It was easy to see that Laurie was the purpose of her family. She never knew a stranger and had a heart that knew no bounds. Laurie shared many joyous occasions with friends far too numerous to count. She lived her life caring for others, giving of herself just what they needed most at the time. Laurie never passed by a friend without a word and she would even provide solace to a stranger if they were in a lonely place. Animals also held a significant place in Laurie’s heart. She had a love for animals of all kinds. Her treasures however, were her dogs, the four legged companions who followed her like the leader of the pack that she was.
The ways in which Laurie was so unique seem immeasurable – it would take lifetimes just to describe her. She showed respect to those deserving of respect and bowed to no one. She troubled no one about their religion and always respected others in their view while in turn, demanded that others respect hers. Laurie gave thanks for the joy of living and abused nothing nor no one. She believed that abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. Laurie was both enlightened and intelligent, and the world was her university. She could read or study anything – and did. Laurie’s vast intelligence made it possible for her to satiate her desire to study any topic she desired to know more about. Those who knew Laurie knew of her love of geology, herb-ology, history and motorcycles but her constant quest for knowledge was legendary.
When it came her time to die, she was not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death. She prepared a noble death song for the day when she would go over that great divide. While others, when their time comes, weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Laurie lived her life the way she wanted, sang her death song, and died like a hero finally going home.
Laurie Jondall possessed a quiet strength that fully encompassed her very being. She was brave and strong, and she lived her life that the fear of death never entered her heart. Laurie’s favorite saying which she had tattooed on her arm states “All who wander are not lost.” Laurie can never be lost. Although her family and friends may feel lost without her, they will forever feel her alive in their hearts. Every time they hear a Harley, for a moment, they will see her riding into the wind taking the path of her choosing. Laurie will be dearly missed by those whose lives will never be the same for having loved such an extraordinary woman.
Laurie Jondall of Lawton died October 31, 2009. Laurie’s family includes her husband of 27 years, John Jondall; siblings: Thomas IV (Shirley) Small, Lynda (Rick) Doorlag, Richard Forward, James (Tamara) Small, John (JoAnn) Small and Victoria (Craig) Lemonds; many nieces and nephews: Daniel T.J. (Lynn) Small, Thomas and Danielle (Zoey and Jesse) Small, Samantha Small, Richard W. Forward, Lindsey Forward, Bradlie Forward, James Small, Cody Small, Cassie Small, Carl Lemonds, George Lemonds, Kira Small, Sitara, Tyler and Adrian Ludwig; God-Mother to: Richard and Lindsey Forward; many in-laws: Marilyn (Doug) Attridge, Bill (Teresa) Ludwig, Scott (Anita) Ludwig, Dave (Jerri) VerVille, Laura Barber, Pat (Brenda) VerVille and Joyce (Rick) Vleitstra and a special friend to Penny Sherburn. Laurie was preceded in death by her treasured in-laws: “Ma” Maxine and “Pa” Milford Jondall; her father, Thomas Andrew Small, III, nephew, Chance Lemonds and in-law, Janet Ludwig. Learn more about Laurie and share in some refreshments with her family and friends on Wednesday from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home - Paw Paw, MI; 60900 M-40, 657-3870 where services will be held Thursday, 11:00 a.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her memory book before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial contribution to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue.
Laurie Jondall
… read on at lifestorynet.com
