Lorraine Michelle Laurel

May 17, 1963 - January 1, 2024

LORRAINE MICHELLE LAUREL

May 17, 1963–January 1, 2024

On January 1, 2024, Our Beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, niece and friend, “Michelle” as she was affectionately called, was summoned to be with our Lord while surrounded by her family.

She is a direct descendent of a prestigious and prominent Laredo family, whose patriarch was Captain Samuel Mathias Jarvis, who was a mayor and County Judge in the mid 1800s. She was a legacy member of the society of Martha Washington and a debutante.

After a brief teaching career, Michelle practiced law for 27 years and was a dedicated attorney who devoted over twenty years of government service while working as a public defender, a state prosecutor and most recently having retired as a county attorney where she vigorously protected the rights of children.

By far, her favorite responsibility was being “Mommy” to her precious daughter Athena Lorraine. She showered Athena with love and affection and spending quality time with Athena is what brought her the most joy in life.

Michelle was also completely devoted to her family. She always enjoyed, and eagerly anticipated, family time whether it was Thanksgiving celebration, Christmas gift exchange, a trip to the family beach house, a visit to the Laurel ranch, a birthday dinner or a simple gathering at her parent’s house. Amongst family is where she was the happiest.

She had a passion for reading and was admired for her speed reading ability. She was known for being able to read an entire book in an afternoon. And obviously she was everyone’s lifeline when it came to movie or literature trivia. Michelle also had a dry sense of humor that everyone appreciated and enjoyed, unless it was at your expense. She was the best aunt to her nieces and nephews and she spoiled them rotten. Her gift was the first one each of them would open on Christmas Eve.

Michelle was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Dan and Theresa Withoff, by her paternal grandparents Aida and Fernando D. Laurel, by her brother Fernando D. Laurel, III, and by her brother-in-law Robert J. Ford.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Athena, by her devoted parents, Lorraine and Fernando Laurel, Jr., her sisters Sandra Laurel Ford (Robert +) Kristina Laurel Hale (Judge Oscar J. Hale, Jr) sister-in-law Patricia Cremo (Fernie +) Laurel, nieces and nephews, Andy (Amanda) Laurel, Lexie Hale, Jordann Paris Hale, Jarvis Ford, Zach Ford, Ashleigh Laurel (José) Lastra, Torree Laurel, Uncle Daniel Withoff (Jane), cousins Erika, Stephanie, Heidi Withoff Goertzen (Leslie) and Dominique Withoff and many other relatives and friends.

Michelle, we love you so much and we will miss you dearly!

Private services were held by the family on January 4, 2024, and a memorial mass in her honor will be announced in the near future.

Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com

LORRAINE MICHELLE LAUREL May 17, 1963–January 1, 2024 On January 1, 2024, Our Beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, niece and friend, “Michelle” as she was affectionately called, was summoned to be with our Lord while surrounded by her family. She is a direct descendent of a prestigious and prominent Laredo family, whose patriarch was CaptainContinue Reading

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Our sincere Condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of being opposing counsel and she was a very good attorney. God Bless the family

I just learned about Michelle passing. My deep condolences for her loss. I remember her love for cats and dogs. She was a beautiful soul that understood life a deeper and profound way. May she rest peacefully with the Lord our savior. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Aunt Lorraine, Uncle Fernando, Sandra, and Christina, I was so saddened to hear the news for Michelle’s passing. Just received a phone call today from Jacobita. There are no words to describe the loss of your dearest daughter, sister, aunt, and mother to Athena. Michelle, (as I knew her), was a free spirit that had a gentle heart. She excelled academically, and followed her parent’s example through her upbringing. May she Rest In Peace. 🕊️ With Love, Araceli & Joe Serrano-Piche

In memory of Lorraine Michelle Laurel, Charles Edward Dickinson lit a candle

Please accept our deepest and sincerest condolences for the loss of your daughter Lorraine Michelle. Our prayers will continue for Lorraine Michelle, and the entire Laurel family. Dickinson family

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My deepest condolences.

In memory of Lorraine Michelle Laurel, Sara Laurel Bazan lit a candle

Primos Fernando & Lorraine, my most heartfelt condolences for the passing of your daughter Lorraine. I’m lost for words because I can only imagine your pain. Send you both a huge hug. Prayers for inner peace for all the family who are left to cherish her memories. God bless you all always and plenty. Con mucho cariño Sara Laurel Bazan

My deepest condolences to your family for your loss. I am sharing in your sadness during this difficult time. Michelle was my friend for over twenty years and such a special person will be greatly missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.