Laura Gordon

Laura Ann (Gellinger) Gordon, age 54, of Galesburg, MI passed away, January 4, 2017 after being diagnosed with FrontoTemporal Degeneration (FTD) a few years ago. Laura was a loving mother, wonderful wife, kind friend and beautiful person. Laura was born December 15, 1962 in Joliet, IL to Kathleen (McGinnis) and Terrence Gellinger. Laura grew up in Palatine, IL and graduated from Fremd High School in 1981. She attended the University of Illinois and earned her BSc. Laura began her professional career in retail management with The Limited Brands and later became a flight attendant with American Airlines. In 1991, she married David Gordon. After the birth of their second daughter, Laura took an early retirement offer from American Airlines and focused her efforts on her family. The family moved to the Kalamazoo area in 1999. Laura was very involved with her girls' school, civic, and faith and athletic activities and organizations throughout their childhoods; donating her time and talents wherever and whenever needed. A nature lover, Laura enjoyed caring for and tending to her perennial flower gardens. She was an avid walker; regardless of weather conditions, Laura could be seen getting in her walk around the neighborhood. Laura, always a gracious hostess, was as creative in the kitchen as she was with her home decor. Laura's love of travel was tested when the family took a two year expatriate assignment in Germany in the late 90's. She enjoyed her summer holidays on the beautiful blue waters of Elk Lake and put up with spring breaks on the ski slopes rather than the beaches. Laura enjoyed time with her friends and the varied activities of the ladies' nights out which seemed to always include chardonnay. Her radiant smile and charming presence will be missed by all. Laura is survived by her dedicated husband, David; their daughters, Kendall and Carley; parents, Kathleen and Terry Gellinger of Stuart, FL; brother, Mike (Kelly) Gellinger of Scottsdale, AZ; sister, Amy (Dave) Reynolds of Fishers, IN and many other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 14th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, 12648 East D Avenue, Augusta, MI 49012 with Father John D. Fleckenstein, Celebrant and Deacon Michael A. Carl, Assisting. Immediately following the Mass, family and friends will continue Laura's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon at the Gull Lake Country Club, 9725 West Gull Lake Drive, Richland, MI 49083. Laura's family will greet friends on Friday, January 13th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89), where a Time of Reflections will be held at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Laura's honor may be directed to: The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), Radnor Station Building 2, Suite 320, 290 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA 19087. AFTD is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax-deductible. The AFTD federal tax ID number is 41-2073220. Or, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 North Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100.