Laurel Jean Schwartz

OREGON - Laurel Jean Schwartz passed away peacefully on May 11, 2012, surrounded by her family and friends.

Loving mother of Zachary and Tracy (Jon); devoted grandmother and Ame to Julia and Dylan; cherished aunt to Lisa and Jody Anderson, Sara and Micah Christopherson, Burnie and Andrea Christopherson, Tyler Patzner, Melinda, Aaron, and Braylon Hohlbein, Taylor Mickelson and Aaron, Jessica and Josh Thomas; and caring sister to Tim (Carol) Thomas; and best friend to her dog Riley.

Laurel was born in Boscobel, Wis., on Dec. 19, 1945. Always a woman with a sense of adventure, Laurel left Wisconsin after high school, with little savings, but with a desire to explore, and drove cross country to San Francisco. She fell in love in and with San Francisco enjoying almost 25 years in the Bay Area. She was a dedicated mom, encouraging and participating in every activity that her children found. After her children were grown she moved back to Wisconsin to be close to her beloved mother and father, Dorothy and Don Thomas. She spent the last 20 years enjoying family and close friends in the greater Madison area.

Laurel was a strong lady with a heart of gold. She will be deeply missed by all those who loved her.

Friends may visit for a celebration of her life at her home, 937 New Hampton Drive, Oregon, on Saturday, May 19, 2012, from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Laurel's honor to her cherished brother Burnie's scholarship fund. Checks should be made out to SW Tech Foundation (Burnie Christopherson Scholarship Fund) at 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809.