Laurie D Depew

Laurie Sue Daubenspeck Depew – Hortense to family friends – passed away early Thanksgiving morning, November 25th, 2021. Laurie was surrounded by family: her husband Chuck, and children Paul and Hannah. Both are graduates of Bainbridge High School. Laurie’s younger sister, Jani Daubenspeck was a constant presence in the home over the last months.

Laurie graduated from UCLA in Art History and being an artist and supporting arts would be a large part of her life. After graduation, she moved to the Monterey Bay area and worked in and then managed Palace Art Supply in Santa Cruz, CA. It was there, in 1980, that she met Chuck Depew. The two married in 1987. After migrating to Seattle, Laurie worked at Cornish College as their human resources director. It was a dream job and Laurie loved the college, its staff, and faculty. She later moved to the City of Seattle where she worked on senior personnel policy issues before her retirement and move to Bainbridge Island in 2004.

Laurie was able to beat breast cancer but could not outlast Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS wore her down physically but never mentally or emotionally. With visiting nurses and care providers, Laurie’s common refrain was “I feel fine”, “don’t need anything”, and “my life is great.” Laurie was a kind person and, always, relentlessly positive, and forward-facing.  Never looking back with regrets. 

Laurie was adamant that we don’t have a funeral but, instead, throw a party for folks to get together, maybe have a drink, but especially laugh.  She did like a good party!!! That will happen later this spring and hosted by her surviving sister, Jani.

In Laurie’s name, we established a Fund at the Community Foundation Santa Cruz to provide small catalytic grants to artists and arts groups in Santa Cruz.  I met Laurie at an art store and that was her passion. So, if you would like to remember Laurie in some way you might consider this.  Details are below. 

Hannah is now back in Australia preparing for medical school and Paul is back at business school looking for an art career. At home, we have a puppy negotiating with the cat over territorial rights.  So, Laurie’s family is doing fine and thanking family and friends for kind thoughts, comments and prayers!!!

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To contribute to the Laurie Depew Arts Fund, you may:

Give through our website: https://www.cfscc.org/Laurie

Wire cash: Instructions for wiring cash.
Mail a check: Make the check payable to: Community Foundation Santa Cruz County 7807 Soquel Drive Aptos, CA 95003 Write Laurie Depew Arts Fund on the check's memo line.
Give by PayPal: Click Here

CFSCC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. TAX ID# 94-2808039
Address: 7807 Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA 95003

Feel free to contact us at 831-662-2000 or cfgifts@cfscc.org

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA