Douglas

Laurie Anne (Elias) Lavin reflected on her last sunset with a smile, surrounded by the people that loved her, prior to passing away on December 24, 2016. Before the cancer took her life it showed her life; she remained strong, brave, and beautiful until her last breath. Laurie was born in Springfield on January 28, 1957, the daughter to the late Michael G. and Dorothy (Spiriti) Elias. She spent her childhood in Springfield, graduating from the Notre Dame High School, Class of 1975.

With an affection for animals, especially dogs, Laurie earned her veterinary technician certification prior to starting Laurie's Dog Grooming, a business she owned and operated for many years in Pennsylvania and in Douglas prior to closing due to her illness. Laurie enjoyed nature and found enjoyment in hunting, 4-wheeling, walks in the woods, and watching sunsets with her devoted husband, John C. Lavin, III. She enjoyed traveling, especially anywhere there was a beach, Aruba, Florida, or the Outer Banks.

In addition to her husband she leaves a daughter, Launa Graika-Monahan and her husband Leo of Charlton; a son Christopher M. Graika of Auburn; 7 grandchildren, Loriauna, Chloe, Ella, Dominic, Ava, Ian and Haley; two stepsons, John C. Lavin, Jr and his wife Katrina of Webster and Andrew E. Lavin and his partner Benjamin of Trenton, NJ. Laurie also leaves a brother, Gary M. Elias and his wife Sandra of Alpharetta, GA; four sisters, Lynne M. Anctil and her husband Roy of Brimfield, Debra Douglass and her partner Michael of Chicopee, Donna L. Bealand and her husband Arthur of Springfield, and Lisa M. Gartland and her husband Kevin of Mansfield. She also leaves behind countless loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, dear friends, colleagues, customers and extended family members.

In Laurie's typical fashion, she finished her life in her own mind, controlling the unexpected, determined to survive with courage, grace, and humor. She will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.

A Time of Visitation with Laurie's family has been set for 2-7 pm on January 28, 2017, Laurie's birthday, in the Wallum Lake Rod & Gun Club, 200 Brook Rd, Harrisville, RI 02830. A Time to Reflect and Celebrate Her Life will take place at 5 pm. Casual dress is encouraged, with focus on the color purple, Laurie's favorite color.

Donations in Laurie's name may be made to NEADS (Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans), 305 Redemption Rock Trail, Princeton, MA 01541; or to c/o VNA Care Fund Development Office, 199 Rosewood Drive, Suite 180, Danvers, MA 01923.

Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532 is honored to assist the Lavin Family with arrangements.