South San Francisco, CA August 9, 2022 by Garden Chapel Funeral Directors
Laurie Unsworth passed away on August 1, 2022. She was a devoted wife to Jim; loving sister to Tracy (Yvette Renee), Sherry Nelson (Tom), and Wendy Grainger (Jerry), sister-in-laws Jean Hengst (Gordon) and Carol Vennarucci. Adoring aunt to Sarah Nicole Fitzgerald, Taylor James Fitzgerald, Brandey Renee Fitzgerald (William), Katie Collins (Mark), Chelsea Fitzgerald, Matthew Fitzgerald, Lisa McAlister (Jim), Robin Nichols McCarthy (Justin), Rachel Puryear (Kwame), Jess Grainger (Jessica), Joshua Nelson, Breanna Nelson, Beau Hengst, and Giselle Hengst. Caring grandaunt to Cooper Earl Cook, Megan Kate McAlister, Ian McAlister, Jack McCarthy and Eleanor Grainger.
Laurie was the little sister to her five brothers and sisters. She was born in San Francisco, grew up in South San Francisco, and graduated from El Camino High School. She and Jim celebrated their fifteenth wedding anniversary last month. She loved animals, was a great cook, and was a “tell-it-like-it-is” woman. She wasn’t a great patient, but she truly enjoyed taking care of others. While she had a variety of jobs through the years, in-home caregiving was her passion and career for the past few decades.
Laurie had a special place in her heart for her many life-long friends with whom she shared many laughs and great memories. She bestowed nick-names on many of her friends (Jasper, Moonbeam) and truly appreciated people who stayed in touch with her regularly while she was undergoing cancer treatments.
Laurie was strong, witty, fun, hilarious, kind and a warrior. She faced medical challenges throughout her life and is finally at peace with no more pain or suffering.
She was predeceased by her sisters Judy Nichols and brother Buzz, sister-in-law Colleen Granero Ramirez, and parents Billy Wayne and Jean Fitzgerald.
Friends are invited to attend a celebration of life on Thursday, August 11 at 10AM at Garden Chapel, 885 El Camino Real, South San Francisco CA 94080. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to https://www.pinkribbongirls.org/bay-area-california.
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