Laurie Elizabeth Julian had a joyful dance with life and a brief dance with brain cancer. Her luminous spirit, angelic voice, humor, generosity, joy, love and deep spirituality enriched all who knew her. She died peacefully at her home in Langley at age 59.

Born in Salt Lake City on Aug. 16, 1959, Laurie attended school there until she entered the convent of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in Houston at age 18. She brought her remarkable gifts of music and teaching to that community for six years and remained a close friend of the Sisters for the rest of her life.

When she moved to California, she met her partner of 30 years, Corrine Bayley, in a women’s spirituality group. They moved to Whidbey Island 10 years ago, drawn by the natural world, creativity and community values so evident here. Laurie soon became involved with the Open Circle Singers and offered her beautiful voice and 12-string guitar at many spiritual gatherings.

Laurie was a life-long learner, receiving a master’s degree in human resources and a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of San Francisco and a master’s in theology from the Aquinas Institute. For several years she worked as an educator with FranklinCovey, which took her to all parts of the U.S. She was a great storyteller and a bringer of joy. Laurie shined her light so brightly that everyone she encountered felt seen and cherished.

Laurie will be deeply missed by many friends and family: her spouse Corrine Bayley and mother Elizabeth Julian, both of Langley; her father Richard Pack; half-brothers Brandon and Richard Pack and their families in Utah; and her aunt Dorothy Sutherland and family in England.

A joyful Celebration of Laurie’s Life will be held on Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. at Langley United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 3rd and Anthes Avenue, Langley.

You may wish to make a donation in her honor to a favorite Whidbey nonprofit.