Laura Jean Crawford

Laura Crawford, a radiant soul, born on July 22, 1974, at Butterworth Hospital (Grand Rapids, MI), departed this life on July 17, 2025, at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods. After graduating from Hudsonville High School in 1992, her passion for compassionate care was ignited as she ventured into the world of nursing. Laura's career was not merely a profession; it was a calling. Beginning her path as a daycare worker, she later served as a nurse's aide and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) while tirelessly working towards earning her Registered Nurse (RN) license from the Kirkhof School of Nursing at Grand Valley State University in 2005. Over a dedicated span of 19 years as an RN, she extended her nurturing touch in various hospitals and nursing homes, ultimately gravitating towards home health care, where she could provide individualized care, establishing profound connections with her patients.

Laura's heart was as expansive as her adventurous spirit. She cherished a life enriched by travel, often finding joyous camaraderie in camping trips with family at her favorite place, Ludington State Park. She loved Muskegon State Park, Fayette State Park, Mackinac Island, and Grand Haven.  She also enjoyed traveling the country and relished in her experiences Out West- at the badlands, the black hills of South Dakota, Las Vegas, and in Boston and Washington DC.  She loved black hills opals on all of her jewelry.  An aficionado of live music, she reveled in the electrifying performances of artists such as Harry Styles and 30 Seconds to Mars, her enthusiasm infectious. She loved dark chocolate, Olgas snackers, chicken salad sandwiches, and key lime pie.  A culinary wizard in her own right, Laura’s most beloved creations included mouthwatering chicken enchiladas, fluffy mashed potatoes, yummy ham roll-ups, and savory gyros, recipes shared with her family that will forever linger in their hearts.

In the tapestry of her existence, Laura embraced her passions with an independence and vivacity that inspired everyone around her. She was an outgoing spirit who thrived on adventure, whether it be immersing herself in the magical world of Disney, indulging in the epic tales of Game of Thrones, or passionately supporting her beloved Detroit Lions and the University of Michigan Wolverines during football season. Her thrill-seeking nature led her to roller coasters, with Cedar Point and Michigan’s Adventure being her playground; she adored the Millennium Force, the Top Thrill Dragster, the Ripcord, and cherished lazy afternoons drifting down the Lazy River.

Laura treasured her family above all. She was especially proud of her three children—Courtney, Cameron, and Collin—devoting herself to creating unforgettable memories with them, her love evident in everything she did.  She had a great sense of humor and made them laugh with her excellent sense of humor. Her legacy continues through her children, who, alongside Jeanne Alberda (mom), Gerald Alberda (dad), and Paul Alberda (brother), carry forth the warmth of her memory.

Within her circle of family and friends, Laura’s loving and forgiving nature was a balm to many. She leaves behind an indelible mark on those who were fortunate enough to walk alongside her, including her nephew Kevin Alberda, niece Katie Alberda, uncle Steve Alberda, aunt Chris Cochran, and former husband Eric Crawford.

Laura's life was illuminated by the companionship of her beloved cats:  Chunky, Pinky, Rimmer, Squirtle, Simon, and Luna, whose antics brought endless joy to her.

She joins her cherished family members in the realms beyond, including her grandparents, Matthew and Ethel Alberda and Robert and Leona Kridler, and her uncles and aunts - Don Alberda, Carol Bernhardt, Nancy Cook, and Kathy Alberda, and her beloved grandma-in-law Joan Crawford, and in-laws James and Diane Crawford - whose memories she will forever hold dear.

As we remember Laura Crawford, let us celebrate a life rich with compassion, adventure, and an unwavering spirit of love, forever honoring the legacy of this remarkable woman who has left us, yet remains entwined in our hearts.