Laurie Marit Sorenson was welcomed into this world by her parents, Sig and Laura in Port Angeles, Washington on September 18, 1956. Their family was complete with the birth of Laurie’s sister, Karen 15 months later. Laurie loved her family and was proud of her Norwegian heritage. She cherished memories of time spent teasing her sister, learning to cook with her mother and grandmother, and fishing with her father. She was a precocious, independent child. At a young age she developed a passion for music. Her parents recognized her talent and provided the means for her to learn to express her passion through violin and piano. Her passion and love for life was beautifully expressed as she played the music she loved. As she grew and began to explore her world, she found another love – the wonder and beauty of nature. She loved exploring the Olympic Mountains and the Washington Coast. Any time outdoors was a good time for Laurie: hiking; fishing; skiing; kayaking; sailing; or playing soccer. Still, she was a disciplined student and plowed through her classes to begin her studies at Pacific Lutheran University. But because of her young age, she felt isolated and out of place, so she chose to take a break from studies. Eventually she resumed her studies at the University of Washington but found the UW too big. Finally, she found the perfect fit at Seattle University, but not until after one of her more ambitious ventures as a partner in a worker owned and managed bakery, The Little Bread Company. There, she turned her disciplined nature to hard work. She made good friends and had a lot of good times. It was while working on the books at the bakery that she found joy in numbers. When she did return to her studies, she was focused with a purpose. After earning her Accounting Degree, she held positions with a few businesses and accounting firms including Accountants Microsystems and MacCaw Cellular Communications. During that time, she began helping friends with their taxes. She found great joy in helping them keep their hard-earned money and it wasn’t long until her part-time tax accounting business evolved to become her livelihood. Throughout all of the school, work, and play she continued to develop in other directions. She was a long time volunteer fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and supporter of the YWCA and the American Red Cross. She always found her greatest joy in serving and she held abiding respect for all who served others, especially those in military service and veterans. Laurie loved our nation and after purchasing the home in Edmonds she was amazed and thrilled by the view it offered of the Independence Day fireworks display, and every year thereafter she prepared food for friends who came to share that exhilarating experience. Her service to others eventually focused on teaching and guiding others along their path to develop a personal relationship with God. She had strong faith and an abiding belief that God is the source of all creation, is present in all creation, and that we exist to fulfill God’s will. In her 20 years of service at the Center for Spiritual Living in Seattle as a licensed Religious Science Practitioner, she shined a light for many seeking their way. She also used her skills and abilities to support the organization by serving on the Board of Directors and as the Chair of the Practitioner Council. Many will remember her for the innovative way she and her dear friend, Ann Bock taught “The Roots” class – a class about the founders and the development of Religious Science. She and Ann made a potential snoozer of a class interesting and fun by bringing historical characters to life with their costumed skits. Laurie will be missed – not just for all she contributed and the ways she served, but for her generous spirit, her quick and unexpected wit, and maybe most of all for her fabulous cooking and baking. Cooking was Laurie’s art. She studied food, flavors, and methods until she was satisfied that she could create a masterpiece. And she created many. Facebook friends were anguished by photos of beautiful dishes unavailable to them. Feeding family and friends was an expression of her love and appreciation. Many may find themselves wishing for one more bite of her perfect chocolate cake… Laurie Sorenson was a fun loving gal. Whether taking in a Mariners game, an opera, going for a night of country music and dancing, or relaxing at home, Laurie was an attentive companion to be appreciated and cherished as she appreciated and cherished her pets. She almost always had a cat or two or three at home but everyone would agree that Laurie was a “dog person”. She was drawn to any dog that came within sniffing distance and it was futile to try to move her along without stopping for petting. There’s no doubt her beloved Sasha, her “god dog” Gabby, and sweet Britta gave her a leaping, wagging, barking greeting when she passed on to their realm. Countless friends and family will miss Laurie, especially her sister, Karen Ward, brother-in-law Ronnie, and their sweet Golden Retriever, Olaf. Her cousins, Lisa Harrow, Karis Scrivin, and Kristi Zollars and their families will miss her. Her long-time friend from the Little Bread Company, Mary Hanks will miss her and will have to find a new friend for her Friday afternoon coffee. Family, brothers and sisters-inlaw, friends, coworkers, neighbors, clients, students, teachers, grocery store clerks, bank tellers, and almost anyone who had any type of relationship with her will miss her. But more than any, her spouse Sue Mills will miss her more than she ever could have imagined. You are loved, Laurie. Blessings on your journey.