Obituary of Laura Carpenter

Remembering Laura “Lu” Carpenter August 24, 1958-May 26, 2025 Laura Carpenter was born to Jeanne Messenger Carpenter and Jack A. Carpenter in 29 Palms, CA, on August 24, 1958. In October of 1967 Jeanne moved to Hollister, CA with five of her children who grew up in the West Street neighborhood. The family attended St. Lukes Episcopal Church. Laura sang in the choir with her sister Amy. Singing was very special to her, especially when singing at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve Laura attended San Benito Joint Union High School where she enjoyed being on the yearbook staff, cheerleading, and participating in Varsity volleyball and swim teams. After graduation she attended California State College at Chico where she graduated with a degree in English/Communications and was awarded the Dean's Prize in Graphic Design. She worked in publishing for a number of years in increasingly responsible positions. This work eventually took her to Indiana. Truly a free spirit, in her 50's Laura pivoted from publishing to culinary school, graduating as a pastry chef. She worked in several establishments. But she missed her family and friends, and returned home to Hollister. But these dry facts don't begin to describe who Laura truly was. Time with family and friends brought her pleasure, but what truly moved her spirit was travel. Whether a short trip by car with family or friends, or a more adventurous journey to farther shores, she was happiest being on the move. No look at her life would be complete without recognizing her best friends, Gina Nixon and Cathy Rollins. They have been extraordinary friends to Laura since their days together as children on West Street. When Laura was first diagnosed with cancer in August of 2022, they cared for her as she recovered from both the surgery that had discovered the Stage IV cancer, and the shock that went with the news. And in her final days in hospice, along with her loving family, Gina, Cathy and Dorian Rollins sat with her late into the night, and helped advocate for the best possible care for her. She leaves her family and friends: brother Kim Carpenter; brother Tracy Carpenter (Claudia) and niece Valentina; brother Kevin Carpenter and nieces Chloe (Phil) and Sarah (Graeme); sister Amy O'Leary (John), nephew Phillip (Mallory) and niece Mia; sister Susan Morrow (Ean) and nephew Edward Warren (Tricia). Her ashes will be released at sea in a private family ceremony, and a celebration of her life will be held at a future date. With love, The Carpenter Family