Laura Jean DeCuir

Laura Jean DeCuir, 54, of La Mirada, CA, passed away on January 4, 2024 of age-related complications associated with Down Syndrome. She was born in Los Angeles to Rosemary and George DeCuir on July 20, 1969, the same day, she’d be sure to point out, that man landed on the moon. She attended John Glenn High School in Norwalk, CA, and graduation day was a highlight for her.

Laura was a gentle soul who found joy in the simple things in life, including going out to a restaurant for a good meal, bowling a strike, solving a puzzle on Wheel of Fortune, the thrill of take-offs on a flight, or listening to The Monkees. She was an avid bowler for many years and a Special Olympian, both activities contributing to her collection of ribbons, medals and trophies, which she proudly displayed. Independent living opportunities were an important gift given to her by her parents and she enjoyed the friendships made in several group home residences. She loved animals, did church volunteer work and participated in RAD Camp and Camp Re-Creation through the Diocese of Orange for 40 years.

Art gave her purpose and she developed her skills over many years at Tierra Del Sol’s First Street Art Gallery in Claremont, CA. Laura, or “LJ,” would toil for hours, filling endless books with intricately patterned and vibrantly colored drawings. She also enjoyed creating ceramic sculptures, always assigning creative and humorous titles to her pieces. When one of her art pieces was chosen and displayed as part of the Very Special International Arts Festival in Washington, D.C., she was thrilled to travel to the event.

Laura was quick to laugh or make a sly joke. Her loving and innocent nature brought happiness to those around her, and her challenges brought perspective on perceived trials in our own lives. A compliment that she’d often give was that someone was “as sweet as raspberry pie,” an expression that describes Laura perfectly. Life was a joy with her in our presence.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents, Rosemary (Aiken) and George, who advocated tirelessly on her behalf. She is survived by siblings Mary Elise Herbert (Kevin), Suzanne DeCuir (Patrick Moody), John DeCure (Cynthia), Rosemary DeCuir-McKown (Vince), and Carolyn DeCuir Palanca (Michael), as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and an uncle.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of a donation to RAD (Rising Above Disabilities!) Camp, which provides programs and camps for those with developmental disabilities …

https://fundraise.radcamp.org/campaign/in-memory-of-laura-decuir/c555188

There will be a private family service and interment on January 26^th at 1pm at Olive Lawn Memorial Park in La Mirada, CA. A public celebration of life memorial will be held in the springtime.