LAURIE RUTH WHELAN, 60, of St. Louis, passed from this world on April 18, 2017. A service to remember Laurie will be held at The First Presbyterian Church in Kirkwood on Saturday, May 6 at 11:00. In the spirit of an old fashioned Irish wake, there will also be a celebration of Laurie immediately following at one of her favorite pubs, Ice & Fuel, which is located directly across from the church.

Laurie was born in Seattle, Washington to Ray and Dena Whelan on June 4, 1956. The family soon moved to Redwood City, California where Laurie attended Roy Cloud Elementary. After moving back to Seattle in 1970, she attended Nathan Hale High School and graduated in 1974. She went on to the University of Washington, in Seattle. After school she worked as an Office Manager and Accountant for Cabinetpak Kitchens, a family business which her father owned. After Ray sold the business, Laurie continued on with the company as a Business Manager where she worked for the rest of her life.

In 2004, Laurie moved to St. Louis to join Nancy, the love of her life. Here she found a second family and a group of friends like no other. She loved sports and enjoyed Cardinal baseball, SLU basketball, playing softball, and golfing at Aberdeen Golf Course. (Of course, she continued to root from here for her beloved Seattle Seahawks and U-Dub Huskies!) St. Louis provided hot summer days, sitting by the pool with a cocktail, meeting up with friends, occasional karaoke, and celebrating the good life with simple pleasures.

Laurie enjoyed people. She loved talking with everyone and never knew a stranger. Her big heart, keen mind, incredible wit, and caring sensitivity opened freely to all she met. Her love of parties lit up rooms when she entered. Her smile caught everyone’s eye and made them smile too. Joy and laughter were a part of her every day existence. She never took anything for granted, especially after being diagnosed with Cancer three years ago. Living each day to the fullest, she used everything she had to enjoy each new day. Always optimistic, she had a quiet strength and grace that was beyond measure. Laurie will be dearly missed by many, but never forgotten and always treasured.

Rest in peace dear, beautiful Laurie. Rest is what you need now. Then, find the nearest golf course and 19th hole in Heaven...so many are gathered there to meet you and party on.

Laurie is survived by her life partner, Nancy Tonkins; her parents, Ray and Dena Whelan; her sister Marianne Bachus (Ken John); her brother Dan Whelan (Paige); her nieces and nephew, Jenny, Annie and Jake Whelan; her brother Michael Whelan (Ginger); her nephews David and Brian Whelan; her pets Ralphie, Skiddles, and Carly; as well as her sister-group, The River Queens, and many, many loving friends.

She is preceded in death by her dear Auntie Ann (Hopkins); her adorable grandmother, Ruth Arfman, and her cats Alley (Buddy Boy) and Simon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one or both of the following organizations in her name:

WELLSPRING JOURNEY PROJECT
3284 Taylor Ave, Bridgeton, MO 63044

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
1058 Old Des Peres Rd, Saint Louis, MO 63131