Laurie Tedford, 58, daughter of Walter “Ted” and Marie Tedford of Underhill Center, died peacefully at Pennington House group home in Burlington on Sunday, February 2.
Laurie was born on July 26, 1961, in Manchester, Conn. She graduated from Essex (Vt.) High School’s Diversified Program.
Laurie had Down syndrome but never let that stop her. Her refrain was, “I can do it!” And she did. She learned to read and write and engage the world. She loved life.
Laurie was a longtime client at Champlain Community Services (CCS) in Colchester, and she worked part time for more than 10 years at the Visiting Nurses Association in Colchester. She also worked part time at August First bakery and café in Burlington.
She loved listening to music, especially Willie Nelson and Fleetwood Mac, among other musicians in her CD collection. She enjoyed the annual picnic sponsored by CCS and was ever ready to get up and dance.
She loved being with people. At gatherings every year, Laurie composed an essay she would read aloud to family and friends. She was happy to be a writer, just as many in her family are. She often wrote on her computer, and she sang karaoke with her cousin, using her own karaoke machine kept in her neat-as-a-pin bedroom.
Laurie loved to travel, and for many years she drove with her parents to visit family in Tennessee in the spring. She loved the ocean and enjoyed vacations in Maine and Cape Cod.
Laurie is survived by her parents and brothers and sisters; their wives and husbands; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins across the United States and Canada.
This is a poem Laurie wrote that was published in the CCS newsletter, “DIY”:
SPRING
I like spring very much
Yes I do like going for a walk in the park
Yes I am so happy
Spring is here to stay
Yes that makes me very happy
To be here to look at it
Flowers come out in the spring
I love going for walks and
All the beautiful things
The sky is blue and clouds are white.
Laurie is greatly missed.
No immediate service is planned. A memorial celebration will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Champlain Community Services, 512 Troy Ave., Colchester, VT 05446.
This article appears in Feb 5-11, 2020.
Ted & Marie – I am sorry to read of Laurie’s passing. Please know that my heart, my thoughts and my prayers are with you both. – Love, Brandi
I’m so sorry, Ted and Marie. I loved Laurie. She was so upbeat, funny and loving. Such sad news. My love to you and your family.
Jan Morse
I never had the honor of meeting this woman, but from reading this piece written in her memory, it would have been an honor indeed.
Dear Ted, Marie and Family-
Laurie’s birthday party with pony rides is one of my oldest and dearest memories. She was an amazing woman and touched many hearts. I especially looked forward to our visits at Essex Free, when we would reminisce about old Underhill and Irish Settlement Rd. I am sure Laurie and Thelma are eyes a twinkle in heaven – telling stories and spinning yarns. There might even be pie. Much Love to you all- Bridget Stone
I worked at CCS for years. Laurie was one of the outstandingly positive and cheerful people, and always a joy. I miss her too. My sympathies to all. RIP Laurie, you sweetheart.
Ted and Marie, I’m so sorry to learn of Laurie’s passing. I too am the Father of a young man with Down Syndrome. As parents we know of the great joy and beautiful place that our children bring to our world. Laurie was blessed to have you as devoted and loving parents….and, although I met her only once our twice, I know that the world was blessed by Laurie’s presence. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Lloyd and Daniel Goodrow