Tribute Wall
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Ann Dalton posted a condolence
Thursday, August 3, 2023
I first became acquainted with Laura while working at Kimley-Horn. She was always gracious and kind to everyone and was the consummate professional. Over the years we developed a more personal friendship. She was a wonderful travel companion. I will always cherish the memories of our trips to the North Carolina mountains, and many other excursions to other North Carolina destinations. I, and I am sure many others, will miss her very much.
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Barbara Higgins posted a condolence
Thursday, August 3, 2023
I first met Laura 50 years ago when we were freshmen at Duke, living in the same dorm (Giles). We became fast friends and after graduation kept in touch the old-fashioned way: letter writing. Getting a letter or postcard from Laura was always a treat--a witty, well-written account of what was going on in her world (and with the Royal Family, a mutual interest!). I'm so glad she talked me into getting an iPhone so we could text. Now I have her texts to reread when I need a dose of Laura. As is evident from the tributes here, she touched so many lives with her thoughtfulness and unselfish devotion to those friendships. Just a few months ago, she kept me "virtual" company when I was going through a difficult time, all the while dealing with her own, grave illness. Loyal, kind, caring and brave till the end, Laura was a beautiful soul. Rest in peace, dear friend. My deepest sympathies to Geoff and your family. Love, Barbara Higgins
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Laura Ward uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, August 3, 2023
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When I hear mourning doves cooing, I stop and think about my precious friend Laura B.
“So I am sending you
a dove to heaven
with a package on its wings.
Be careful when you open it;
It’s full of beautiful things.
Wrapped up in bubble wrap
are blown-glass balls,
gingerbread men, a variety of teas,
and delicious Christmas delights.
To say how much I miss you
and to send you all my love."
Rest in peace, Laura B. I'm a better person for knowing and being good friends with you. I've always admired your determination, perseverance, calmness, dedication to your work, and loving your friends whole-heartedly.
My thoughts and prayers to all your family and friends.
Laura Ward
Cary, NC
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Mona and Bart Barham posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
I met Laura in 1986 when she welcomed me to Kimley-Horn. We were in different offices and even different states but we quickly became close friends. Laura lived a life of excellence in everything she did. She was a gifted and creative writer and an editor par excellence. She was kind, caring and beyond thoughtful. She lived her faith and walked through every situation with her unique strength and grace and was always concerned about others. My heart is so full of happy memories together. She lives on in the hearts of all of us who were blessed to know her and to be loved by her. Thank you Geoff for your loving care of our Laura and how you so generously shared her with us. Bart and I send our sincerest sympathy to you and your family and to all of Laura’s amazing friends. We will miss you Laura but I can almost hear you so wisely telling us to “Keep Calm and Carry On”. As I signed off our messages so often “Love You Sis and Geoff too”.
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Jane Thurman posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
As former coworkers at Kimley-Horn who became long-time friends (and there are many of us), I admired Laura for intuitively recognizing our strengths to build her team- the essence of a good leader and manager. As Laura’s friend through retirement, I treasured my time spent with her. Trading books, sending each other articles on all things British (with a dose of American history), and celebrating our annual Christmas dinner/lunch with other KH friends.
Laura was the friend you hope you are- attentive, kind, generous, fun- and off the charts thoughtful. There is a place left to fill that is now overflowing with memories. To lend Laura a book so we can talk about it, to revisit local points of interest we liked, to send her an article or text.
Laura fought cancer quietly, with great determination. I am thankful she is no longer suffering and free from worry and pain. Rest in peace, and the grace of the world, Laura.
Sending my love to Laura's family and friends.
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Tricia Buritica posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
My sincere condolences to Laura's family and close friends. I was very sad to hear the news of her passing.
There are people you meet in life who help you grow spiritually and professionally, empower you to be kind, and inspire quality in your writing and editing skills. Laura was that kind of mentor and more. She was one of a kind. We worked at Kimley-Horn in marketing in different regions for 30 years, but we attended training together on many occasions and talked regularly. When we both started there was no internet, no cell phones, and our office phones had no voice messaging; the firm was around 300 people. We leaned on each other in different ways because the firm was much smaller than it is today. She helped me navigate new territory in my career progression with KH, and I'm so grateful she always had time to coach me. Even when she was slammed with work and last-minute deadlines, she would always take the time to guide me through various marketing or staffing challenges. I have never met a sweeter soul than Laura Barrett, truly a gifted soul. I will miss her smile, sweet disposition, and sense of humor. She made me laugh so much when she talked about her favorite basketball players. Our world would be a better place if God made more Laura Barrett's. I feel blessed to have learned from her and witnessed her thoughtful kindness. You will be missed Laura! Rest in peace, free from pain. With loving thoughts and prayers to her entire family and friends.
Tricia Buritica
Charlotte, NC
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Vicki Purtle posted a condolence
Monday, July 31, 2023
I met Laura in 1991 when I was preparing to move from Kimley-Horn’s Dallas office to Raleigh. I had dinner with Laura and others while on a house hunting trip in Raleigh. Laura put together a wealth of information for me on places to live, eat and shop in the Triangle. This was before the internet, and I knew it had taken her some time to assemble. That’s the kind of person Laura was, always eager to help others in any way she could. I enjoyed working with her for many years, even though we worked in different departments. Rest in peace Laura. You were loved and will be missed.
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Walker Mabe posted a condolence
Sunday, July 30, 2023
Laura Barrett came into my life in 1984, when I hired her for the marketing coordinator position at Kimley-Horn in Raleigh. She was extremely well-qualified for the job, but I based the hiring decision on one fact—a strong recommendation from Professor George Williams, our Shakespeare professor in common at Duke. Laura devoted herself to Kimley-Horn, where she was an exacting editor, an eagle-eyed proofreader, and an outstanding manager. Everything she did was in her staff’s best interest. She was the rare manager who stayed in contact with former employees, taking an interest in their activities and their children and grandchildren until the end. Laura was deeply attached to her family, and we loved hearing about her travels with her father and brother. Laura’s consistent thoughtfulness extended to the gifts she brought back from England and Europe—all still treasured in our house and a reminder of a dear colleague. I will miss her very much.
Walker Mabe
Raleigh, NC
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Geoff Barrett posted a condolence
Sunday, July 30, 2023
I have the best little sister in the world
I love you so much
"May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest"
Your loving brother Geoff
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The family of Laura Ellen Barrett uploaded a photo
Sunday, July 30, 2023
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