Laura Maki (1949-2010).

Obituary

Maki, Laura Read Ann Arbor, MI Age 60, died peacefully in her sleep Friday April 16, 2010 at Arbor Hospice, after a two year struggle with peritoneal cancer. Laura was an Ann Arbor 'townie' born here December 6, 1949; graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1968; and lived here the rest of her life. She is survived by her father Merwin F. Read, Jr.; her two children Amilynn (Andy) Annala, and Greg (Laura Langenburg) Maki; her sister Cynthia Read (Les) Miller of Grosse Pointe, her brother Scott (Amanda Stanger) Read of Ann Arbor; and her ex-husband, Gene Maki. She doted on her two granddaughters, Aliisa and Andria Annala. She also had numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in Michigan and elsewhere. She was preceded in death by her mother Shirley Anderson Read who died this year on Easter Sunday. Laura was a life-long member of the Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club. She skated on the Hockettes in the 1960s and the Debonaires (adult synchronized skating team) from the 1970s until a few years ago. Laura received her judging appointment from US Figure Skating in 1979 and judged her last event in March 2010. Laura was well loved and appreciated for her spirit, her knowledge as a judge, referee and technical panel person, her willingness to share her expertise with clubs in a wide area of the country, always displaying a calm yet passionate approach to the sport of figure skating. She will be sorely missed by many skating communities but especially in Ann Arbor where she has been a stalwart supporter and leader in so many club activities. Laura's last competition was the Finals of the Michigan State High School Figure Skating program - a program that is what it is today because of her work with it - the largest and most successful high school figure skating program in the country. At her request, Laura's body was donated to research at the University of Michigan Hospital and will be cremated at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube, her 'home away from home,' on May 16th, 3-5 p.m. Bring your skates if you have them, bring your good memories, and be ready to share your favorite Laura story. A big thanks all of Laura's family, friends, 'skating family' and the LiveStrong program at the Ann Arbor YMCA who have all been so supportive for the past two years. Donations can be made to the Laura Maki Memorial Fund (which will honor those who voluntarily serve the skating community off the ice who may also suffer from financial/medical hardships), c/o Ann Dougherty, 6 Northwick Ct, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.