"I know it's late, but I saw a name that reminded me of Laura and I had to look her up to see how she was doing. It was very upsetting to see that she had passed away. I moved away from the Madison area when I was very young, but she was always my favorite teacher. She'd work hard with me, when I was a difficult student, and I LOVED going to her house for the annual sleep over. I remember there being a lot of pizza and lots of arcade games. My childhood was difficult, especially with school, but she was one of the people who really helped make it better. She will forever hold a special place in my heart. "
In loving memory of
Laura E. Mueller
October 14, 1947 - July 22, 2011
Late in the morning of July 22nd, Laura Mueller passed away peacefully at her home. Born on October 14, 1947, Laura was one of those rare people who brought joy into the lives of all who knew her. She accepted people for who they are and she saw only the vitality in people, never the flaws.
To be a member of one of Laura's many circles was a privilege. Classrooms full of Madison's young children couldn't have known about the extra hours she spent working to improve their lives. They only knew that their favorite teacher was quick with a smile and long on patience. She didn't just teach subjects, she built character.
She took particular interest in some of her more challenging students. A little boy from a difficult home had safe refuge in Mrs. Mueller's home one night each week. And one night each year, all of her students could count themselves lucky go to a sleepover at Mrs. Mueller's house.
Her fellow teachers, including those she mentored after her retirement, saw how she understood the whole child. One teacher said, "When she stepped into the classroom, the world fell away and she became part of their world." She was, "a champion among teachers."
Laura was a special friend to have whether you were one of the WOGs (Women of God), the BBs (decidedly not women of god), a parent of a former student or one of the many other people she drew into her life. They could count on Laura for a deep, spiritual conversation as well as sidesplitting humor. Laura was always positive, never down.
She was especially important to friends and family members facing daunting challenges in their lives. With Laura at their side, they knew they could conquer the darkness.
Her brothers and sisters understood that the party never really began until Laurie showed up. Family gatherings will be considerably less colorful without her stories, some of which her mother would have found entirely inappropriate. Her sister Mary will certainly miss the daily phone chats with her sister and best friend.
Laura also had a ten-year relationship with the doctors, nurses and staff at the UW Comprehensive Cancer Center. While she certainly appreciated their skills, she especially appreciated their humanity. She would want special mention made of Dr. Howard Bailey, Dr. Fred Lee, Barb, Kevin and all the friendly faces at the front desk in the Cancer Center.
Her closest circle, those who lost the most on that July morning, includes her husband Jim, her daughter Jessica Gilkison (Stuart) and granddaughter, Piper. Jessica joined her mom on a long, winding journey through life. Through Laura's medical challenges, Jessica was always at her side as an advocate, sounding board, traveling companion and best friend. Jessica has all of the qualities Laura wanted to instill in her students. In Piper, Laura saw so much life, so much talent and such a shining future. Amah was always so proud.
Laura met her loving husband Jim (Jimmy) in 1976 at a Monona block party. They were married three years later, a partnership that lasted thirty-two years and one day. How fitting that the nicest guy in Madison found the nicest woman in town, and how fortunate that he turned out to be the patient, loving caregiver she needed.
Join our family in celebrating Laura's life. Visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI on Monday, August 1st, from four to seven p.m., and Tuesday, August 2nd, at Olbrich Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704 at 10 a.m., immediately followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Center for Patient Partnerships, 975 Bascom Mall, University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School, Suite 4311, Madison Wisconsin, 53706-1399; or the UW-Madison Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Avenue.
Tributes
"My favorite teacher, I ever had. For years after Ihad left her classroom I would go back to visit her on almost a daily basis. The world is no doubt a poorer place without her in it. "
"I was a volunteer for many years at Frank Allis, and feel soo very lucky to have known this lovely, caring, smiling, kind woman. When her students talked to her, she looked at them like they were the only person around, and she was very interested in what they were telling her. She had a positive love for life, and was an inspiration to all that came in contact with her. My sincere sympathy to her family and friends. You will miss her very much. Nobody can take away all your wonderful memories of this lovely lady. May you give each other strength through this difficult time. "
"I had the distinct honor of working with Laura at Frank Allis where I was the school social worker as well as more recently when we both mentored new staff. In a 35 year career, Laura was the most gifted teacher I ever worked with. I can't think of a single child that didn't flourish under her guidance. The anchor under all of this skill was a wonderful sense of optimism and sense of respect for everyone she met. She will be missed greatly but live on in many ways through the many people she touched so profoundly. "
"Laura was a wonderful neighbor - From 6413 I enjoyed watching her care for her lovely home and make the Inner Drive space so appealing! She was so much of the spirit of John Muir, where my son Conor Murphy spent his early school years!"
"My Grandma was, IS, the best person I have ever met. The one that lives life to the fullest, and even though she might've felt horrible from Chemo, she would ALWAY listen and care for you. I miss her so much, and my family isn't the same without her. Amah- I love you SO much, and I wish you were here to let me tell you tat and let me kiss you one more time. Je t'aime, Piper, Your Loving Granddaughter"
"My son had Laura as his teacher for first and second grades. She was an excellent teacher for him, but she was also a really important source of guidance for me as I learned to parent a child who moves to the beat of his own drum."
"Mrs. Mueller was my first grade teacher at Frank Allis and my favorite teacher to date. I still remember how kind she was to all the the students and how she challenged me to become a better reader and student. I wish her family the best."
"Mrs. Mueller still remains to be the best teacher I have ever had. I had her for 1st and 2nd grade and I will always remember crying my last day of 2nd grade because I only wanted to have her as a teacher for the rest of my life. She taught all of us to be kind to every one in our lives. She reached out to every one of her students and made great connections with all of us even at such a young age. She even remembered me right away when I came to visit her many years later! No teacher has touched my heart the same way, I will always remember Mrs. Mueller for her amazing heart and the impact she has forever made on my life."
"I had the honor of getting to know Laura when I became Piper's second grade teacher. The first time I met her was at our school's Open House, where it became obvious that the bond and love of their family was something very special. Their interactions with one another were tender and light, and so incredibly fun to observe. Over the years it became obvious that they were her pride, and she theirs. You didn't have to be physically close to Laura to feel her positive and gentle energy, and I continue to feel that same joy and Goodness radiate from her in her new Home. You will be missed, Laura. God bless you."
"I had the honor of getting to know Laura when I became Piper?s second grade teacher. The first time I met her was at our school?s Open House, where it became obvious that the bond and love of their family was something very special. Their interactions with one another were tender and light, and so incredibly fun to observe. Over the years it became obvious that they were her pride, and she theirs. You didn?t have to be physically close to Laura to feel her positive and gentle energy, and I continue to feel that same joy and Goodness radiate from her in her new Home. You will be missed, Laura. God bless you. "
"I don't have a favorite memory of my aunt. The precious memories are too many to count and will always mean the world to me. Thanks, Laurie, for always listening, for sharing your humor and wisdom and for teaching me how to love. I'm working on "walking through" all of this, but it's not easy without you here to help me. I love you. "
"Laura was one of those very rare human beings who looked deep into one's soul and saw the beauty in everyone. She saw things in you that you didn't see yourself. I will miss our conversations about anything and everything, our 4 hour breakfast chats and our birthday celebrations. The last birthday celebration took place at Applebees. We had the best waiter who just made you feel good about being there. I told him that we were celebrating our birthdays. He asked our names and when it came to Laura's turn to fess up, she told him her name was Henrietta Schmalz. Imagine our surprise when he came out with ice cream sundaes, and balloons and singing happy birthday to us. I laughed so hard listening to him try to fit "Henrietta Schmalz" into the birthday song. That was the best birthday I ever had and I was so glad to be able to share it with such a special person. "
"I will miss so many things about my mom, including her unconditional love and support, her incredible ability to listen, her wisdom and her friendship."
"Laura was my daughter's first grade teacher and I had the privilege to volunteer in her classroom. I saw first hand how she interacted with her students, with dignity, love, compassion and understanding. To this day, my 27 year old daughter counts her as one of her favorite and most influential teachers. Being a teacher, I realized what a remarkable person, teacher, friend and mentor she was. She was a true inspiration to me. I have had the pleasure of knowing her granddaughter Piper and she also exhibits the qualities of her remarkable grandmother. I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a bright and inspirational person. My heart breaks for her family. "