Obituary for Laura Pentecost
After a prolonged battle with cancer, Laura Lou Pentecost passed away on August 5, 2015 in Peoria, IL. at the age of 65. Laura was born on July 12, 1950 in Peoria, IL to parents Max E. and Jacqueline (Kessler) Ford. Laura grew up in Lacon, IL She attended Illinois Central College and worked at The University of Illinois HIV/AIDS Center as an Office Administrator for 19 years before retiring in August 2010. Laura was dedicated to her work and loved the patients, friends and coworkers she came in contact with daily. She was well known for being an entertaining story teller and brought happiness and laughter into the lives of everyone she knew. She was a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ community and was fortunate to be able to see the legalization of gay marriage before her passing. Laura married the love of her life, Darrell Pentecost on June 13, 1981. During their time together, they relocated to Jennings, LA. and El Dorado, AR. before finally settling in Washington, IL. Laura cherished the time she was able to spend with her sweet doggies and considered them part of the family. Her favorite was Bitsey (The Boat Dog) her sweet corgi that even went on vacation with her. Laura is survived by her husband and children, Darren (Pam) Schlosser of El Dorado, AR, Jennifer (Jerry) Goodman of Jacksonville, FL, and Elisha Pentecost, Washington, IL; as well as her sisters, Laurel Becker, Snow Lake Shores, MS. and Holly Becker, Youngtown, AZ.; her brothers, Alan (Konnie) Ford, Peoria, IL. and Hugh (Sheila) Ford, Monticello, IL.; and her grandchildren Austin Taylor, Olivia Schlosser and Drew Goodman. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews that were very close to her heart. She is preceded in death by her parents, as well as her Step-Mother Havadna Becker; her sisters, Helen Ford, Susan Elyar, Ernestine Schaefer, and Jodie Schreiner. Laura lived her life filled with love, acceptance and forgiveness as evidenced in a favorite quote: “I learned we need to love our mothers and fathers and all of their flawed outrageous humanity. In families there are no crimes beyond forgiveness. It is the mystery of life that sustains me now as I look to the sky and wish there were two lives apportioned to every man and woman.” (Author unknown) We are all better people for having known her. Please join us in a celebration of Laura’s life on August 22, 2015 at 3:00pm. The celebration will be held at the Fondulac Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 100 Illini Dr. East Peoria, IL. 61611. A reception will follow; all are welcome.
Read More
To plant a tree in memory of Laura Pentecost, visit the Tribute Store.
Loading...