Welcome to the memorial page for
Laurie Jean "Garrigan" McKowen
June 29, 1956 ~ May 25, 2013 (age 56) 56 Years Old Light a Candle
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A candle was lit by Mike Mullins - March 05, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Lit a candle in memory of Laurie Jean "Garrigan" McKowen
Lit a candle in memory of Laurie Jean "Garrigan" McKowen
A candle was lit by John Leland - March 05, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Lit a candle in memory of Laurie Jean "Garrigan" McKowen
Lit a candle in memory of Laurie Jean "Garrigan" McKowen
Message from John Leland - March 05, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Laurie had the office next to mine at Salem International. She had a plastic pumpkin full of chocolate kisses. Each day at 2 p.. I would come and ask her for one, and she would give me one. If I was busy and did not come to ask, she would bring me one. One really bad day she brought me an extra one for the road.She collected refrigerator magnets, so when I went to Paris and London for research I brought her refrigerator magnets. She kept tem on a filing cabinet in her office. She kept cards that Lynne Wise and I and others had given her on her door. I was very sad when they were taken down after her death. They represented the warm relations she maintained with all her colleagues at Salem...John Leland
A candle was lit by Scott Carr - March 05, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Lit a candle in memory of Laurie Jean "Garrigan" McKowen
Lit a candle in memory of Laurie Jean "Garrigan" McKowen
A candle was lit by Douglas Morgan - March 05, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Lit a candle in memory of Laurie Jean "Garrigan" McKowen
Lit a candle in memory of Laurie Jean "Garrigan" McKowen
Message from Michael Davis - March 05, 2014 at 12:00 AM
I first met Laurie when she was one of the attorneys representing my family. She was always a consummate professional. She then became one of the founding board members of the West Virginia Head Injury Foundation and helped with all the legalities to get the organization on solid ground. She was always there when I needed her and a few years ago we worked on some cases together along with other projects. Her smile was endless, a very intelligent person with a great personality and concern for all. She will be sorely missed in the community but most of all by her family, friends and colleagues. God Bless you Laurie and may you rest in peace with God. Michael Davis, Charleston
Message from PJ Loehr Scarr - March 05, 2014 at 12:00 AM
To Laurie's family, although we lost touch over the years, I have very fond memories of Laurie when we both lived in Charleston in the mid-1980's. She had a great mind, wit and sense of style. She loved her family and she gave generously of herself to all. I know she will be missed terribly. My prayers are with you at this time. PJ Loehr Scarr
Message from Susan Birmingham - March 05, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Laurie, I'm glad I got to know you while you lived in Baltimore. I spent so many years with your family in Springfield, but I hardly knew you when we were kids. You seemed so exotic to me - always had the perfect tan! Always on the go with your friends. Well I got to experience your warmth and lovely mellow personality as adults. How much will you be missed, ...there just aren't enough words to describe. I'll miss your stylish flair, your ready laugh and the twinkle in your eyes. You knew how to work hard and you knew how to kick back and relax. To me, you had the resilience of a lioness - always ready to reinvent yourself whenever necessary. Most of all, you were a mother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend, and greatly beloved. May you rest in all of God's Glory.Susan Munson Birmingham
A candle was lit by Carl Furbee - March 05, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Lit a candle in memory of Laurie Jean "Garrigan" McKowen
Lit a candle in memory of Laurie Jean "Garrigan" McKowen
Message from Marian - March 05, 2014 at 12:00 AM
1 file added to the tribute wall
Message from Marian - March 05, 2014 at 12:00 AM
1 file added to the tribute wall
A candle was lit by Marian & Eugene Weems - March 05, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Lit a candle in memory of Laurie Jean "Garrigan" McKowen
Lit a candle in memory of Laurie Jean "Garrigan" McKowen
Message from Marian Boll-Weems - March 05, 2014 at 12:00 AM
When death came to me about my friend Laurie, I was in complete shock. I wish I was able to attend her funeral and pay my last respects and see her three sons as well. I had thought that death would be "the big goodbye," instead it is "the big introduction." Hello to regrets: all the things we had never said and never done together. But Laurie and I had some really wonderful times together. Both with our children and without. Laurie had a weakness for furniture, and that is how we met. My family store was Boll Furniture in Charleston. She worked conveniently downtown and would stop in once or three times a month for years. She had such GREAT ECCENTRIC taste in furniture. There are a few pieces that stand out. The main one is a gold leaf funky pot-belly tall chest. I remember that well because our mutual friend Danny Botkin (RIP) and we picked that out for her house in St. Albans - I still have a photo of it-brings a smile to my face. I want Drew, Ryan, and Patrick to know you will cross paths with many people and places that will remind you of your past, your mother. And hopefully you will realize that the memory was not painful, but warm. Perhaps a breezy and wistful, not cold and threatening. When that day comes it means something very good has changed. Somehow, someway you will reach a point where 'gone' is acceptable, and not terrible.Past has significance, surely, but it is not a curse- it's a blessing. Patrick I hope you still have that rubber chicken. Ryan hop on that skate board but be sure to wear your helmet. And Drew ... aren't you glad you don't have to do anymore homework. Gentlemen, you are an extension of what your mother was; Intelligent, thoughtful, persistent, charming, and laid back. She loved you all profoundly, and was very proud in every way. Laurie, there are a few things that I would like for you to have, along with my heart:There is my laughter, unrefined, loudly insane, impetuously spawned from the kernels of my larynx. There are my tears, which are instantly dissolved, as you stand up and smile.There are, also, my hugs which I have always embraced you when you needed one.I will never forget you Laurie! I need to miss you from time to time. I will never struggle with the pain of having known you and leaving. Goodbye my dear friend, I will see you again someday. You were too young sweetheart, All my love Marian Boll-Weems xoxoxo
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