Laurie Ann (Welsh) Watts, age 62, loving daughter and mother of one, passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2023.
Laurie was born on August 3, 1960, in Gaylord, MI, to Vernon and Mary Ann (Strzynski) Welsh. She graduated high school from St. Mary’s and went on to Central Michigan and then Michigan State for her bachelor’s degree.
Laurie had one son whom she loved dearly.
She was a teacher’s aide at St. Gerard Majella in St. Louis and moved back to Gaylord in 2016 where she was a teacher at the local Head Start Program.
Laurie had a passion for helping people, she would always go out of her way to help someone in need and would do it with a smile. She would light up any room she walked into. Laurie loved working on her house, spending time with her family and friends, and being outdoors. She was known as one of the sweetest, kindest people around.
Laurie was preceded in death by her brother, Ricky Welsh; and her father, Vernon Welsh.
She is survived by her mother, Mary Ann Welsh; and her son, Casey Watts.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Cathedral, 606 N. Ohio Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Please join the family for a luncheon after the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Mary’s School- Tuition Angels by mailing your donation to St. Mary Cathedral at 606 N. Ohio Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735, with “Tuition Angels-Watts” in the memo line or to St. Mary Schools online through WeShare at https://www.wesharegiving.org/App/Form/209b55a9-fe46-4f5d-bfbe-83e9748fc01b.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
14 comments on “Laurie A. (Welsh) Watts”
Mary Ann and Casey, your family will be in our prayers, I will certainly miss our porch to porch talks with my favorite neighbor. Laurie was such a sweetheart. Always such kind spirit.
I was so blessed to have been able to call you my friend. You are one of the sweetest and most caring woman I’ve ever met. God Bless you for all the wonderful things you’ve done over the years making others happy and cared for. Love you Laurie, you will always be in my heart dear friend ❤️🙏🏻
I have so many memories that were shared with Laurie for 50 plus years of Laughter, tears, hugs, confidences, road trips, sweet treats, the list goes on… I will miss you my “Sista”. You & your family are in my heart forever ♥️
My heart is broken with loss of my sweet friend. I went through 12 years of school days with her singing to me…Mary Mary quite contrary how does your garden grow?Our lockers were always next to eachother being by alphabetical for alot of school
things. So we shared many giggles & secrets between those locker doors. And many visits to Mitchell St where her parents & brother lived, just 3 short blocks from my home on Felshaw St. She just radiated sweetness & kindness & smiles.I miss that friendship Laurie until we meet again. You , I know are a beautiful angel. Rest in peace. Prayers & God’s comfort to your sweet mom & son Casey. 🙏 ❤️ Mary Vinick Rude. class of ’78
May the Angels 😇 lead her into Paradise!
Dear Mary Ann and Casey,
We’re so sorry to hear of your loss. I’m sure Ricky and her Dad greeted her with open arms. You’re in our prayers.
Connie and Mike Nelson
DEARMARY ANN, I AM VERY TO LEARN OFL
LAURIE’S DEATH. SHE HAS BEEN SO SPECIALTO YOU AND VERN SINCEYOUR DEAR RICY”S DEATH. NOW YOUR FAMILY IS TOGEATHERIN HEAVEN WAITING FOR YOU. GOD LOVE YOU IN YOUR SORROW AND PLEASE KNOWMY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE FOR YOU,DEAFH FRIEND. WITH LOVE
We were lucky to live next door to Laurie and Casey in St. Louis. Laurie was a wonderful neighbor who became a dear friend. It is heartbreaking that such a kind, generous woman had to endure so much in the past several years. May Laurie’s legacy be her extraordinary example of remaining strong, gracious, and positive while facing challenges.
Mary Ann, no mother should have to experience so much loss. I wish I had words that could offer some comfort.
Casey, we are so sorry about your mom. We know her spirit lives on in you. May your many happy memories remind you of her love and pride in you.
Laurie, more of a little sister than a cousin. Full of Sunshine smiles and that Michigan twang laugh, how we will miss YOU ! We could Always tell each other anything and you being our daughters God Mother was one of the most precious days of our lives. We know you’re in a Happy place now with your Family and that lightens our heart. You will Forever be in our thoughts and your Love will Always stay alive. Rest in Peace little sister.
Laurie, my beautiful friend, you left us too soon. My heart is with Laurie’s family and friends, she brightened up the room with her smile!
So sorry to hear! All my love and prayers go out to you. Such a beautiful soul! She will be missed! ❤️
Laurie was the sweetest person that I had ever met and known, I am very blessed that she was part of my life. Although we disconnected over the years, I will always and never forget the joy she brought into every encounter. She is now bringing her smiles and joy to all of the angels aroubd her. Love and miss you Laurie!
To Laurie’s mom, Mary Ann and Casey, my nephew, I am truly sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of my times with Laurie, raising our kids, and celebrating holidays together. Truly wonderful memories. She was always full of energy, kindness and joy. It’s hard to comprehend she became ill and has passed, just like my sister. Laurie was a big part of our family and I will hold all the memories of her close to my heart. I take comfort knowing she is with our Lord in heaven.
Mary Ann, we’re sorry to hear about your daughter. It was over before we knew it. Do not hesitate to call us for anything or at any time.
Mary Ann
So sorry for your families loss.
Praying for you