NOLAN, Laura Lucile

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona, Sunday, January 19, 2014 Laura Lucile Nolan, 91, died Sunday morning January 12, 2014, in Plainview, Minn. Laura was born on January 31, 1922, to Mildred Marble and Willis G. Buck. She grew up in Easton, Mass., graduating in 1940 from Oliver Ames High School. In 1941, she married John P. Nolan, also of Easton. They had seven children. In 1952 the family moved to Hermosa Beach, Calif. Laura would forever think of the South Bay area of Southern California as home. Upon retirement in 1990 Laura moved to Murrieta, Calif., to be near her daughter Laura Ann. In 2007 she moved to Plainview. As a girl she enjoyed dance. During her four years of high school she was in every stage play. She loved to discuss current events, politics and ideas. Reading was a favorite pastime, especially U.S. History and biographies. She also enjoyed traveling to historic sites, museums, and new places. A skilled knitter she created many wonderful items, from baby sets and afghans, to unique sweaters. She was ready for a game of cribbage most anytime. Laura always owned at least one dog or cat and loved watching birds. Deer were another favorite animal and she was delighted to see them and elk during her visits to Flagstaff. She worked hard to help support her family during her marriage and later after divorcing her husband. Laura served as a waitress at many fine restaurants in Southern California. She particularly enjoyed her time at the International Restaurant at Los Angeles International Airport. She was captain of the wait staff, developed wait procedures and designed uniforms. She liked meeting the many dignitaries, celebrities and world travelers who dined there. 41 years after high school she entered community college, earned her bookkeeping certificate, and then finished her career as a bookkeeper. Laura stayed active in retirement. She learned to play the piano, was a member of the garden club, Wet Hens, art association and Newcomers Club, and was active in civic affairs and politics. And she got a little golfing in too. Her wry wit, reflective of a pragmatic intellect, could take you aback, but it was grounded in honesty coupled with tease. She taught those she loved to strive for integrity in all aspects of life and to persevere. People complimented her style and beauty, but she felt class was based on good manners. Laura loved family gatherings and was extremely interested in the activities and accomplishments of her many offspring. In her final years she had wonderful fun visiting with her great-great grandson, Grayson. As the family matriarch, she was admired and loved and will be dearly missed. Laura is survived by her seven children: John Nolan, Calif., Paul (Ujit) Nolan, Thailand, Terrence Nolan, Calif., Laura Cordova, Minn., Roderick Nolan, Ore., Dolores (Chuck) Biggerstaff, Flagstaff, Ariz., and Kevin Nolan, Calif.; 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandson; her sister Pauline (John) Krish, Southport, N.C., and her brother Ronald (Rose) Buck of South Easton, Mass.; several cousins and many nieces and nephews. Her Flagstaff grandchildren are Patrick (Whitney), Jacob (Danielle), Thomas (Jules), and Kailin Biggerstaff. Two great-grandsons, Henry and Ethan also reside in Flagstaff. She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved sister Martha Tufts. Memorial services for Laura will be private. Her ashes will be spread per her wishes off the beaches of Southern California and at the Willis G. Buck Field, Easton, Mass. Memorial offerings to the Audubon Society or local animal rescue groups are appreciated. This obituary was prepared by the Advertising Department (928) 556-2279.