Sept. 20, 1948 – Sept. 2, 2022
Laurie passed away Sept. 2, in her Springfield, Ore. home at the age of 73. Laurie was born Sept. 20, 1948, in Honolulu to Jeanette Ruth Post & George Levi Zell, who preceded her in death along with her Life Partner Dennis Kovach, siblings Daniel Hendry & Kathleen Bragg. She left her daughter, Shannon Burke-Williams, son-in-law, Jeffory Williams, granddaughter, Keilyn Williams, adopted daughter, Stacey Mock of Portland, & many others she adopted into her life.
Laurie & her family moved to the mainland, she graduated from Pendleton High in 1966, moved to Boise and graduated with a B.S. in P.E. with minors in Social & General Science from Boise College in 1972. She earned her M.S. in P.E. at UO. She married Keith Burke in 1967, then met her life partner in 1985. Laurie was a very passionate P.E. teacher & coach in Boise from 1972 to 1979 & in Springfield from 1979-2009 when she retired from teaching, continued to coach until 2011. A Celebration of Life was held at Mohawk High in Marcola. If you would like to make a donation, please donate to the Special Olympics in her name.
