With heavy hearts, we are sad to announce our dear sister Laurie passed away on February 13, 2024.
Laurie Lee Bersanti was born May 29, 1962 to Al and Lee Bersanti. She was the fourth of five children born to Al and Lee following Dan, Sherry, and Janel; and followed a year later, by her brother, Bob. Laurie was a beloved part of that household and among her community in Butte as well as into college and eventually Seattle.
She graduated from Butte High School in 1980 and maintained lifelong friendships with those she met through the National Honors Society and the Butte High Purple B’s. She never forgot the laughs and adventures that she shared with those during that time. She proudly graduated as a Bobcat from Montana State University with a business degree in 1984. From there she moved to Seattle where she started her 30+ yearlong successful banking career working at both Washington Mutual and BECU.
She made many friends along the way including her chosen family and friend, Janet Backman and her family. She loved Seattle and the community of people she had curated there; including coworkers turned friends, and neighbors turned family. She filled every room with laughter and silliness. She loved hosting friends and family in her home and introducing people to her little dog, Dwight. Whether it was her mom, brother Bobby and his family staying for Thanksgiving, or her nieces on a Seattle trip, her home was warm and inviting.
Laurie Lee was an amazing sister, daughter, and friend, but she was the best aunt anyone could ask for. She never failed to make sure each niece and nephew felt loved and special. Each one will forever treasure the ornaments she personalized as gifts each year for as long as she could. She showered each niece and nephew with love and affection as if they were her own. Laurie was a huge part of the Bersanti family and a bright spot in all of our memories.
In 2019, Laurie was diagnosed with Early Onset Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). This cruel disease takes away your ability to communicate and manage everyday tasks. As it progresses, there’s a loss in judgement, inhibition, movement, and interest. Although she never wanted to leave her home in Seattle, she moved back to Butte to be closer to family. Laurie handled this with grace and courage. She never lost her sense of humor and ability to laugh.
The hole left in a world without Laurie will be felt by anyone who knew her. She was so loved and will be missed dearly.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents; Thomas and Gloria Davies, Albert and Dorothy Bersanti; her parents Al and Lee Bersanti; her cousin Jerry Ogolin and her nephew Justin Thompson.
Laurie is survived by siblings; Dan and Laurie Bersanti, Sherry and Rob Martin, Janel and Tom Madrazo, Bob and Kandi Bersanti. Aunts and uncles; Bev and Don Ogolin, Kathy and Jim Loughney, Carole and Tom Durkin. Nieces and Nephews and families; Kira and Danny Conn (Riley and Dillon), Ben and Jen Bersanti, Abby Riordan and Mike Stenson (Maddie), Casey Riordan (Addie), Sydney and Marcus Madrazo, Hunter and Cara Bersanti (Grayson and Hayes) and honorary niece and nephew Carly and Riley Backman. Cousins; Jamie and Christy Ogolin, Bill and Christine Loughney, Scott and Joni Loughney, Susan and Oscar Ruiz, Michelle (Durkin) and Jim Wetzel, Mike and Tammy Durkin
Laurie’s family would like to thank family, friends and caregivers for their support in her last years. Laurie’s path was not an easy one but your love and support helped her through her journey and is greatly appreciated. A special thank you to Big Sky Memory Care and Shawna, Jeannie and the entire team at Compassionate Hearts for their friendship and care.
A celebration of Laurie’s life will be scheduled in the Spring.
Please consider a memorial donation to Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 or the charity of your choice.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Laurie Lee.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Laurie Lee and her family.
Bayley says
Laurie was such a fun loving, kind, caring, energetic woman who lit up every room she walked in. She was a wonderful friend to me and a style icon. We’re all lucky to have known her and lucky o have her watching over us now 💚
Margie Wills Laketa says
Laurie was a pure joy and my memories of her all include her contagious laughter. She was one of the smartest students in our BHS Class of 1980! 💜 I always admired Laurie’s ability to make others smile! I will miss you my forever friend but I know you are now happy and free. Heaven is a whole lot happier and brighter with you there. My thoughts and prayers to the Bersanti family. You were surely blessed. Memory Eternal.🙏🩷
Jim Riley says
I can still hear that laugh after all these years. Laurie was definitely one of a kind. My condolences to all her family and friends in Butte and Seattle. Hopefully we will be able to be there for her in the spring,
Denise Stringer says
Laurie came into my life about a year and a half ago, through Jeanie Hull. Even though she didn’t remember my name, she always greeted me with a big smile!! We enjoyed getting our nails done as well as going for lunch on Wednesdays. Laurie was a such a joy to be around. She would make us laugh each time we were together. We called ourselves the Three Musketeers!! I’m missing her, but know the Good Lord has her in his gentle hands. God Bless, Denise
Kathy Murphy (Yarnall) says
Laurie was one of my best friends in high school. I remember the nights I would drop her off at her house and we would sit there for another 1/2 hour or so talking. She had a contagious personality, a sweet spirit and a smile that can light up a room. I feel very honored and blessed to have known her and her family. I love you to the moon and back my friend. May you rest in peace. My condolences and prayers go out to her family.
Vickie Haynes says
Laurie was one of a kind. She had a way about her that made everyone feel important and special. One of my fondest memories of her was when my son was in Iraq. We were on the phone and of course I was a bit of a mess knowing my son was in harms way. I mentioned that I wished I could do something for his unit. Laurie responded by saying “let’s make cookies”. With that she drove from Seattle to my house in Portland. We baked dozens of cookies, packaged them up and shipped them to his Marine unit. She was an incredible person and will be missed. Love you my friend.
Vickie
Barbara Nickliss says
I met Laurie at the YMCA women’s class. Even though she didn’t say anything, her smile spoke volumes! What a beautiful lady!!!
Roberta Forsell Stauffer says
Janel, Dan and family: I will never forget Laurie’s bubbly, buoyant, joyful, and kind spirit during our Purple B’z days. Since I, too, was a ‘shorty’, we were often placed near each other in the line-up, and she was always a source of laughter and lightness and warmth. I will never forget her, and I am holding you all in my heart during this difficult time.
Shawna Gibson says
Caring for Laurie was an honor and sheer delight for me and all my staff at Compassionate Heart Home Services. She became a part of my family from day one. We enjoyed so many outings together, always laughing and sharing our inner most thoughts and desires in life. I will miss her for the rest of my life and so will my children. She loved all of us as if we were her second family. She was a bright shining light in all of our lives. She handled her disease with grace and dignity, never allowing it to hold her back. She was always up for anything and I cherish all our moments together, forever. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of her life. ❤️
Susan Stephens says
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking and praying for your whole family.
Susan Honeychurch Stephens
Amy Miles says
I’m sorry for your loss. Laurie was a great neighbor and friend. I have missed her and Dwight since they left Seattle. She will always be cherished warmly in my heart.
Amy Miles
Joan Williams says
So saddened to hear of Laurie’s passing. She was such a great person to work and hang out with. Much love to her family and wide network of friends. You will be missed, Laurie! 💓