Nov. 27, 1946 – Nov. 4, 2013
Former Oak Harbor resident Laura Christine (Russell) Brueckner, 66, passed away peacefully at Providence Hospital Monday, Nov. 4, 2013, in Anchorage, Alaska.
Laura was born on Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, 1946, in Seattle to James B. and Marietta M. Russell. She grew up in West Seattle, attending Highland Park Elementary School.
Laura was a member of her church’s MYF group, a Rainbow Girl and graduated from Chief Sealth High School in 1965.
She married in August 1968 and daughter Heidi was born in May 1970.
In 1973, Laura and family moved to Oak Harbor. Daughter Heather was born in July 1975.
When her daughters were in school, Laura went back to work at Sears. In 1983, she became the owner of The Chocolate Swirl.
A few years later, she sold that business and went to work at Island Title Company as a receptionist where she remained until moving to Alaska in 1999. Laura then went to work at a local movie theater until she retired in 2007.
During her time in Oak Harbor, Laura was a member of Oak Leaf Rebekah Lodge #254, Acorn Theta Rho #79, Oak Harbor Rock and Gem Club and Oak Harbor Women’s Civic Club.
Laura was “Mom B.” to many of her daughters’ friends, having an open-door policy at her home and hosting weekend slumber parties. She always made sure her pantry was well stocked with soda and popcorn.
She loved movies, the Beatles, surprising young military members with a free lunch from time to time, football (especially the Seahawks) and shoes.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents, James and Marietta, and youngest brother, Jimmy.
She is survived by brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Marie Russell of Big Lake, Wash.; niece Rachel Litke (great nephews Russell and Ryan, great niece Leah) also of Big Lake; daughter Heidi DuFresne, son-in-law Brian, granddaughter Kathryn of Anchorage; daughter Heather Brueckner and boyfriend Les Kobitz and grand dog Tango of Victoria, B.C.; and many life-long friends.
At Laura’s request, there will be no service. A barbecue picnic will be planned in Oak Harbor next summer and her ashes will be scattered at the beach.
In Laura’s memory, please consider making a donation to your local food bank, women’s/children’s shelter, or homeless shelter, and become an organ donor.
