WILMINGTON — Laurie, as she prefers to be called was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts as her father was earning his EE degree from MIT.
Dad, Herbert Kenneth (Ken) Mc Coy and her mother, Dorothy Lou (D’Lu) Cowan Mc Coy, moved to El Paso, Texas right after his graduation. Subsequent employment took the family to Bainbridge Island, Washington then to Seattle. During this period four new children were added: Melanie, Craig, Kyla, Karstyn while Dad opened his own business, Remco, an electronic parts supplier. After operating the business for three years, living on the bluffs above Lake Washington, her family had to move to Sunnyvale, CA where her sister, Tavia, was born. Two more moves to follow the employment market found the family in Mt. View, CA and San Jose.
During this time Laurie completed her high school years, graduating from Awalt HS moving on to complete her education at San Jose State University.
She began her career as a seamstress at a curtain factory and as a support staff member at Twelve Acres. After graduation Laurie marries David Christiansen and they choose to move to the East Coast, settling on a dairy farm in the Pittsfield, MA area. Laurie later chose a more suburban lifestyle settling in the Plymouth, MA area, where she meets and marries Michael Coleman after her divorce from David. Her son, Sleyton August Coleman whom she adored to whom she devoted her life was born. During this period she assumed control of the business, “Michaels Monograms” which she and Michael had started. as she became single again. She also went to work at the Longyear Museum Curatorial Department, which she ultimate managed. She married her fellow employee, Edward Snead. After four years Mr. Snead passed on leaving his three Children: Ed Jr., Emily, and Amanda, who remain in her life.
Through her service to the Sharon Christian Science Church she meets and marries the love of her life, William (Bill) McCarriston. Laurie retires from her job as Manager of the Curatorial Department, Longyear Museum. She is a devoted member of the Christian Science Church, serving in several congregations and the Christian Science Association of the students of Kaye Kaiser.
Laurie loved to travel and explore. Earlier in her life and on her own she traveled through Northern Italy, later with Bill she explored the antiquities of Greece and southern Italy. She also enjoyed the river excursions of Viking Cruises. She was also an animal lover, nearly always having a dog or two in her life.
She was a skillful planner, using her skills in her favorite charity PEO, a scholarship organization to assist women with scholarship, comradery, and support. She served in nearly all chairs.
Laurie loved life with an angelic lightness and brightness.
Laurie ‘s life will be celebrated on March 1, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the Wells Scottish Rite Masonic Center 1415 17th Street Wilmington, NC friends and family are invited to celebrate with us.
