Birth: July 13, 1951, Pittsburg, California Death: November 26, 2010, Chico, California
Laura Colette Boring-Manuel, a longtime resident of Durham, passed away on Nov. 26, 2010 surrounded by family and friends, following a courageous battle with cancer. Although she was battle scarred and beaten down by this disease, she soldiered on. She never gave up and she never gave in.
Laura was born on July 13, 1951 to Gene and Joanne Boring in Pittsburg, CA. She lived a good life for fifty-nine years.
Laura was a person who was easy to like. She had a radiant smile and a sunny disposition, which brightened up the days of so many of us lucky enough to know her and visit her booth at the Chico Farmers Market where she was a fixture for many years. Every Saturday she dispensed fresh produce and eggs as well as farming advice, veterinary information and miscellaneous personal opinions on the state of the world. Laura was a highly opinionated woman with strong convictions.
Laura did not have an easy life. She was a hard worker and often spent the day on her knees with her hands deep in the fertile soil of her Durham farm. These three acres kept her very busy as she raised produce, chickens, eggs, goats and geese, as well as four healthy children whom she raised on her own, and even home schooled during what she called "all of her free time."
She will be sorely missed by her husband, Peter Schmitt and by her children, Cynthia, Joseph, William and Victoria. There was never a Mother who loved her children more. Laura was extremely proud of her children whom she raised to be self reliant, independent thinkers.
She will be missed as well as by her beloved grandchildren, Aubriana, Aaron and Makayla and her numerous siblings including sisters, Cindy, Vickie, Penny and Robin and her brothers, Ronnie, Shannon and John.
Additionally, Laura leaves behind many dear friends much too numerous to name.
The lives of all those privileged to have known Laura over the years will be diminished with the loss of this human spark, true spirit and genuine force of nature. Rest in peace Laura. You've earned it.
A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at 5691 Cherry Lane in Paradise.
