Laurie Giauque

In Loving Memory of Laurie Giauque
November 21, 1957 – October 14, 2026

Laurie made the world brighter, more colorful, and a little more magical. She had a heart bigger than words can describe, a wonderfully quirky sense of humor, and a gift for making the people around her feel deeply loved. To her family and friends, she was everything: the very best mom, grandma, daughter, sister, and friend anyone could have ever asked for.

Born in Salt Lake City and raised in Holladay, Laurie graduated from Cottonwood High School, attended Ricks College, and earned her degree from BYU. She spent 37 years teaching Home Economics at Olympus High School. Students loved her and loved her classes. She often provided students with a listening ear, their favorite treat, or a friendly place to eat lunch. Retiring was one of the hardest decisions she ever made. She couldn't bear to leave her students, and years later, they still came back to tell her what she meant to them.

Faith and service ran through everything Laurie did. She served a mission in New Zealand, a place she loved for the remainder of her life. She continued to serve everyone around her and never hesitated to tell someone they mattered. She'd often show up at someone's door with a creative gift and a handwritten note in her easily recognized handwriting.

Color followed Laurie everywhere. She decorated the tree in front of her home for every holiday, dyed icicles, served rainbow bread and cakes, and put the whole family in matching bright t-shirts at Disneyland. She loved the simple things too, like a Dr. Pepper over pebbled ice, chocolate Jamba Juice, birds, the changing seasons, drives up the Alpine Loop, and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman on repeat.

She was also a world-class prankster. You never knew what you'd find tucked into your bed or suitcase: a fake bug, or some cute little trinket that made no sense at all, which was exactly the point.

Above all, Laurie lived for her family. To her kids, she was a best friend and the person we could always count on. When money was tight, she sacrificed and made sure our needs and wants were met. She was the grandma who showed up for every game, performance, and school event. Whether we were off on an adventure, gathered around the kitchen table, or laughing over one of her pranks, she was right in the middle of it. She gave everything she had, and never asked for anything back.

Laurie passed away, with her family by her side, after a short and fast battle with interstitial lung disease. It came far too soon, and it has left us heartbroken. The world is a little less bright and colorful without her, but the love, laughter, and magic she gave us will never fade. We will miss her more than words can say, and love her for the rest of our lives.

She is reunited with her mother, Thurza "Bobbie" Ann McKean Giauque; her sister, Heidi Johnson; Steve Lopez, an important person throughout her life; and her sweet tiny-toy poodle, Buddy.

She leaves behind her father, Don Giauque; her sisters, Kim Wells, Jenni Brown, and Julie Jenson; her children, Chontae Fitisemanu, Jerok Giauque, and Freemen Lewis (Addy); her grandchildren, Jordyn Fitisemanu, Presley Fitisemanu, Benjamin Fitisemanu (Tylee), Maddyn Lewis, and Lennyn Lewis.

Following her wishes, there will be no formal funeral or viewing. Instead, we'd love for family, friends, former students, and anyone who loved her to share stories and photos on her memorial page.