Laura Elizabeth Sooy, 87, of Brighton, died Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at St. John Medical Center. A daughter of the late Forrest and Lena (nee Coates) Matcham, Laura was born on February 13, 1929. She graduated from Brighton High School in 1948.
Laura began working at A&P as a grocery clerk when she was 16 years old. She was employed there until her retirement in 1978. A member of the Brighton United Methodist Church, Laura was also active with the United Methodist Women and the Couple's Club at the church. For many years she was a member of the Grange.
The glue who held her family together, Laura was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. No one was a stranger to Laura; she greeted everyone with a smile. She had a gift of wrapping her family in love and making all occasions special. The meals she lovingly prepared were the highlight of family gatherings. Her eyes held a special sparkle for her family. She was loving and thoughtful; she always remembered everyone's special day with a card. Laura always had a camera in her hand capturing the memories. She enjoyed flowers and loved to travel and visit. She and Russell spent many winters in Florida. Laura was a crafty person. A talented painter, anything she could paint a picture on she would.
Survivors include her husband, Russell, of nearly 68 years, whom she met at a dance; loving children, Russell Sooy, Jr. of Alabama and Carolyn (John) White, of Akron; grandchildren, Lydia (Mark), Anna (Dennis), Daniel (Bekah), Aaron, Katelyn (Jeremiah), Neeta, Phillip, Sarah (Mike); great grandchildren, Olivia, Sophia, Emmalyn, Derek and Cody and great great grandchildren, Palmer and Colton. Laura is also survived by siblings, Robert (Betty), Dale, Lester (Carol), Paul (Marcia) Matcham, Linda (Tony) Marley and Louise Anderson. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Marilyn and her brother, Forrest Jr.
A visitation was held on Friday, May 27 at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 10 at 3:00 p.m. at Brighton United Methodist Church, 51011 State Route 18, Wellington, Ohio 44090. Burial will follow at Brighton Cemetery and a meal will be provided at the church afterwards. Memorials, if desired, can be directed to the church. Expressions of sympathy may be given at: www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.
Cemetery Details
Brighton Township Cemetery
OH,
Memorial Service
JUL 10. 3:00 PM
Brighton United Methodist Church
51011 State Route 18
Wellington, OH, 44090