Windy Floyd Memorial Fund

Richard Friend is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Lacey Petersen.

Donation protected

(Above): Laurel History Boys Kevin Leonard, Pete Lewnes, and Richard Friend at the Tastee Diner, with waitress Windy Floyd.

I'm Richard Friend, of the Laurel History Boys .

On Saturday, August 13th, we stopped by the Tastee Diner in Laurel, Maryland to discuss the latest historic findings from our hometown. We have a favorite table, where Windy Floyd, our usual waitress, has the coffee ready before we even sit down. However, it quickly became apparent that Windy wasn't working her shift .

As it turned out, the Diner staff hadn't heard from her, and were worried. She'd missed her shift the day before, too, without ever calling in—which wasn't like her at all.

At the same time we were learning this, Anne Arundel County Police were doing a welfare check at Windy's home. What they found was shocking: Windy had been murdered—shot to death by the man she lived with, who then took his own life. She was only 49 years old.

Only after her murder did stories begin to emerge about suspected domestic violence in the household, which had intensified over the course of the final weeks of her life. None of the incidents had been reported to police, unfortunately.

Windy was a kind, friendly, and hardworking employee who made the effort to get to know her customers. Like her coworkers, and like the legendary Diner itself, she was genuine—and she made every breakfast, lunch, and dinner feel like home.

She was a part of the Diner, and the Diner was part of her. Sadly, she had just put her shoes on and was getting ready for her early Friday morning shift when her life was so brutally and senselessly taken.

In addition to her coworkers and countless friends at the Diner, (and I use the term "friends," because you were indeed more than just "customers" to her) Windy leaves behind children and grandchildren who, understandably, were not at all prepared to face such a profoundly devastating loss. For them, we hope to raise funds to help with the sudden and daunting expenses they're now faced with.

Through the owner and employees of the Tastee Diner, we have met Windy's oldest daughter, Lacey. All funds raised will go directly to her, to be used as needed.

Through and beyond this campaign, we also hope to raise awareness of the threat of domestic violence, which can truly touch—and destroy—the lives of those you least expect, when you least expect it.

Windy never expressed concern or fear, or gave any indication that she was ever in any danger, which makes her murder so much more difficult to accept.

If you—or anyone you know—are in an abusive relationship, don't wait for things to get worse. Things will get worse if you don't seek help. Talk to someone and get that help as soon as you can. You'd be surprised how many people there are in your life who are willing and able to help. Just trust that they will.

Please contribute what you can to help this family recover. Even the smallest amounts add up, collectively. Also, please share this campaign and spread the word. This tragedy reaches far beyond any one small town.

Thanks very much for your help and generosity.