Remembering Laura Jean Gilbertson

Laura Jean Gilbertson, age 69, died Wednesday July 15, 2020 at Saint Joseph’s  Hospital in Tacoma where she was recovering from a heart attack. While gathering strength for needed surgery, a second heart attack took her. Mike, her husband of 45 years, was at her side.

 Laura was born in Ypsilanti Michigan to Pete and Nelva Whitt in 1951. She moved with her family to California in 1954 where she lived until moving to Washington in the early 70’s. In 1974 she married Mike Gilbertson, and she, Mike, and her 2 sons, became a family of four. Two more children came along to make it a family of six.

 When Laura wasn’t working as financial director for area non-profit organizations, she enjoyed fishing, woodworking, stained glass, fused glass as well as gardening and spoiling her 17 grand kids, and 7 great-grand kids. (At last count)

 Laura loved her family and worked her tail off to keep everyone safe, and to provide a healthy environment. The kids all knew that mom was a soft touch if they had a boo boo but she was rock hard if they misbehaved. Laura was a force of nature and she will be much missed by all who loved her.

 Laura will be remembered with love by her husband, Mike, her children, Lexy and Jeremy Larez, Anthony and Angela Gilbertson, her mother, Nelva Whitt, her brothers, Kurt, Garry and Ken Whitt and her adopted sister, Melanie Sullivan. Her grand children: Jason, Austin, Bryce, Skyler, Ethan, Roman, Lucas, Ashley, Nicholas, Mariah, Anthony, Bailey, Ivan, Jordan, Kayla, Jasmin, and Allesondra. Great grand children: Ayden, Kyla, Mason, Kaiden, Harper, Maverick, Breyland and Vivian. Also left to mourn her passing Is nephew Marcus Whitt, with whom she had become very close and many other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and many, many dear friends.

Note from Laura's husband Mike:

Laura,

Besides being a wonderful mother to my children and  the one who did so much to make our house a home, you were the love I've my life, my best friend and my constant companion. I miss you near beyond endurance. I love you.

Mikey

Notes from Laura's children:

Mom always had a way of making me feel special.  So many things that I will miss about her. I loved her calling me just to check in on me. She didn't always call me at the best time.  I was always sure to call her back when I was more able to talk. I loved the way she would show me things that I made. I will miss her randomly stopping by my work. Just to see me or give me something. Our lunches we had fairly often. Mostly at Taco Time. She would order ahead so we always had a little more time to spend together chatting.  I know those days are now gone but i will forever cherish them always.

Mom, I know you're looking down on us....thank you for not letting me get stuck wearing Traxx  tennis shoes! (K-Mart) You were always the best mom you could be! You loved me and you were always looking out for me from experience! I now know this!  I  love you, and I'll see you in Heaven! Your son -Jeremy

It is so hard during these times to hold a fitting memorial service with all the restrictions we must comply with and still feel as tho we honored our moms life

This fundraiser is organized by Laura's daughter Angela's employer. All donations go directly to the Gilbertson family.