Laura Ellen Lemire

On August 24, 2017, Laura Ellen LeMire of Catonsville, Maryland, passed away surrounded by her loved ones.

Laura was born on October 7, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Francis and Connie LeMire. It was in 1963, when the LeMires brought their competitive spirit to Towson, Maryland. There, Laura and her siblings, Andi LeMire O’Connor and Mike LeMire, all attended Towson High School, growing up with a life of sports and bad dad jokes.

Competition, love and good humor embody Laura’s childhood, and the childhood she and first-husband Bill Rees, provided their own kids, Katie Rees (28) and Will Rees (26). Every year entailed an exciting family vacation, together - those she planned naturally action-packed, educational and always involving the outdoors.

From family travels through the Alaska wilderness and islands of Greece, Laura’s adventure continued with her significant other of five years, Steve Zelenak, to Machu Picchu and the white, powdery mountains of Utah.

Every day Laura’s joy and energy were infectious to everyone around her. If music was playing, chances are you would find her dancing and singing along – and pulling others to join in. If sports equipment or a deck of cards were nearby, it’s more than likely a passing game or hand of cribbage would be played.

Laura embraced life. She thrived in the action. And she dedicated herself to doing the best she can in all aspects of life – as a mother, as a teacher, as a student, as a coach, as an athlete.

It will never be possible to fully convey why people consistently said to her: “I don’t know how you do it.” The best we can do is share stories and the accomplishments that underscore her character. We invite you to read the below.

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Academics

Masters in Environmental/ Environmental Health Engineering (University of Maryland Baltimore County, 2010)

MBA, Executive Fellows program (Loyola College of Maryland, 1988)

Masters in Geotechnical and Geo-environmental Engineering (University of College Park, 1983)

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Magna Cum Laude (University of Maryland College Park, 1981)

Career

Engineering Department Chair, Community College of Baltimore County (2007-2017)

Laura joined CCBC in February of 2007. The impact and accomplishments she made are truly amazing. In 10 shorts years, Laura brought in more than a million dollars in grants that helped hundreds of students while at CCBC and in transfer.

During her time at CCBC, Laura was very passionate about Project Lead the Way, a not-for-profit that develops Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics curricula, in addition to her Introduction to Engineering classes’ work with V-LINC, an organization serving people with disabilities. Every semester a class worked with one of V-LINC’s clients to help a person overcome a particular challenge. Laura’s excitement during the process with her students was palpable, so much so she provided her family with regular updates along with the photos of the client utilizing the final project.

Director of Women’s Sports, STX (1997-2004)

Supervising engineer, Electrical Distribution Division, and Director of Corporate Purchasing, Baltimore Gas & Electric (1983-1997)

Athletics

U.S. National Field Hockey Team

Laura was the first University of Maryland athlete to make the women’s national team, and would have participated in the 1980 Olympics had the U.S. not boycotted.

University of Maryland Field Hockey and Lacrosse All-American

National Junior Olympics Track and Field Team (1976)

Laura placed eighth in the long jump

Post-collegiate Recognition

University of Maryland Hall of Fame

Greater Baltimore Chapter of US Lacrosse Hall of Fame

First female president of the M Club Foundation at the University of Maryland

Recognized as a Maryland Sports Legend in the Maryland Sports Legends Museum

And, as a mother…

Sports year-round.

Laura played soccer, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, indoor volleyball and flag football most of her life. Her longest stints were with Camp Springs Soccer team and Babe Ruth Museum softball team, her children growing up with her teammates as they cheered on Laura at the games.

To her daughter and her daughter’s friends delight, Laura played with them on the lacrosse field during and after Katie’s collegiate years, making for some very entertaining games.

Long-time PTA member, two-year PTA President

Parent volunteer for her daughter’s Girl Scout troop

In Celebration of Laura LeMire
Saturday, September 9, 2017
4:00pm-5:30pm, reception immediately following                                                                                                                                                                                                             Community College of Baltimore County, Center for the Arts
800 S Rolling Road
Catonsville, MD 21228
Use Parking Lot 3

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Laura LeMire Women in STEM Scholarship fund online or by check.
Website: www.ccbcmd.edu/Support-CCBC/Giving-to-CCBC/Give-Online/Online-Donation-Form.aspx
(There is a drop-down box to choose her fund as an option.)

If by check:
CCBC Foundation Office
7200 Sollers Point Road
Baltimore, MD 21228