Laurie Jeanette Thompson died on January 14, 2025, at the age of 81. She grew up in Monroe, Michigan, and was the oldest of two children born to Simonne Yvonne (Van Daele) Bartley and George Harry Bartley.

Laurie, who was born Carolyn Mary Bartley, attended Jefferson High School in Monroe County, Michigan, before moving on to Valparaiso University, where she majored in French and History. She also loved studying Math. After graduating, she defied the conventional wisdom which said women had to be either teachers or nurses, and moved to Detroit to work at Ford Hospital.

Laurie worked for many years at The Boeing Company, where she began as a secretary but worked her way up to becoming an expert in Information Technology security. She was frequently singled out by her superiors as being exceptionally bright and hardworking, and was chosen several times to receive further education and advancement. She was proud to be part of a company at the forefront of American technology and manufacturing.

Laurie retired after 30 years at Boeing. But she did not sit idle: she became a mindful eating coach, and enjoyed meditation, travel, photography, art, piano, gardening, reading, and spending time with her family. She became an entrepreneur in her late 70s, opening a psilocybin business and an AirBnB rental business. She was a voracious reader of books on many different subjects. She was unfailingly generous and had a playful spirit. She aspired to evolve every day. She approached life with exuberance and enthusiasm, always asking what she could learn or do better.

Laurie is survived by her two children and their families: Denise E. Taylor and Leila K. Mongan; three grandchildren: Danielle Thompson, Jamie Mongan, and Rio Mongan; and one great-grandchild, Aspen Cavazos.

A memorial will be held in Ashland in February. For information please contact deytaylor@gmail.com.

Donations in the memory of Laurie may be made to Jackson County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) or the Friends of the Ashland Public Library .