Laura Beagle

Laura Lea Beagle, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and esteemed veteran, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, November 22, 2024 at the age of 71. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1953 to Harriette and John Burks, Laura's life was marked by dedication, adventure, and love.

Growing up the daughter of a roughneck and an adventurer, Laura lived in and traveled to many marvelous places foreign and domestic, making her a child of the world. Spending her formative years living in places such as Venezuela, Greece, and Iran gave her a unique perspective on life, the world, and her place in it.

Following in the footsteps of her parents, Laura first entered the Navy as a photographer's mate in 1974 and continued her travels to Guam. After a brief enlistment, she was honorably discharged in 1977 to pursue her Associate’s degree from Ventura College and her love for flowers, studying ornamental horticulture at California Polytechnic. Her commitment to her country was exemplified by her return to active service in 1982, continuing her 20-year cumulative career in the United States Navy, where she rose to the rank of Chief before retiring. Her time in the Navy was not only a testament to her leadership, strength, and resilience but also fueled her passion for travel and discovery. She went back to school and graduated with honors from the University of Baltimore with her Bachelor’s in accounting. Though to others, accounting may have been just numbers, to Laura it was fascinating. She later procured a position with the defense contract audit agency where she enthusiastically continued her government career, retiring in 2020.

Beyond her professional achievements, Laura was a dreamer at heart, always seeking new experiences in the physical and literary realms. Her travels took her to many corners of the globe, where she collected stories and memories that she cherished deeply.

Laura's greatest joys came from sharing food with her family, gardening tips with friends, and the fantasy worlds created by her favorite authors. She was a beloved and loving mother and grandmother, whose warmth and kindness left an everlasting mark on those she held dear. Her family was the center of her world, and she dedicated herself to nurturing and supporting them in every way possible.

Laura Lea Beagle's legacy is one of strength, compassion, and an indelible spirit of adventure. She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her, leaving behind a garden of memories that celebrate a life well-lived.

Laura is survived by her daughter Sarah and husband Dakota, granddaughter Alyce, and siblings Joe, Gretchen and husband Paul, and Rachel and husband Bill.

In honoring Laura's memory, her family invites those who knew her to join them at Candle Light Funeral Home on Saturday December 7,2024 to reflect on the joy and love she brought into their lives.

“Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!” Mame Dennis, Auntie Mame (1958)