Life Spot

Laura Marie Gillespie passed away suddenly Jan. 3, 2011, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and dear friend. She will be greatly missed by all, including her most precious dogs. She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Robert; daughter, Jamie; son, Robby; mother, Ursula Castle (Vaughn); father, Albert Boehringer; sister, Julie Ware (Brian); mother-in-law, Martha Gillespie; brothers-in-law, Reed Gillespie (Abbie), Rodney Gillespie (Michelle) and Richard Gillespie (Kathy); and numerous family and extended family.

Laura was a longstanding member of El Dorado County Association of Realtors. She was a Realtor in Pollock Pines and Placerville for nearly 15 years. Laura was born in Encino, Calif., on April 16, 1965. She grew up in the San Fernando Valley. In 1985 at the age of 17, she met her soulmate and the love of her life, Robert Gillespie. They married in 1987 and settled in the Antelope Valley, east of Los Angeles. She worked as an administrator for Rockwell International.

Laura became a mother at 24, first to Jamie and then 20 months later to Robby. She was a loving and devoted mother. She took great pride in her children and the career paths they’ve chosen: Jamie, attending Argunaught University, studying to become a court reporter and Robby, an EMT attending Butte Fire Academy. She was extremely proud of both. Their mama was their best friend.

In 1995 Laura and family moved north to Pollock Pines, Calif. She loved where she lived. She was an avid runner and health enthusiast. She obtained her California Real Estate license in 1997. She began her Real Estate career at Better Homes and Gardens in Placerville, eventually moving her work closer to home at Great West GMAC (formerly Prudential) in Pollock Pines and then following economic changes, moved her business back to Placerville with Real Living/Great West (formerly Great West GMAC). She will be greatly missed by her business partner and dearest friend Debbie Bellnap as well as many colleagues in the El Dorado County Real Estate community. Laura was a supporter of the ASPCA. She was a fierce protector of all animals. Given the opportunity she would have given any pup a home. You would rarely see her without a dog.

A celebration of life will be held on Jan. 21, at 1 p.m., at Green Valley Community Church, 3500 Missouri Flat Road in Placerville, Calif. A buffet reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial funds have been established at Umpqua Bank in Pollock Pines to assist the family and offset costs or donate to the ASPCA. Please make donations in the name of Laura Gillespie Memorial Fund or Laura Gillespie ASPCA Fund. Donations can be made at any Umpqua Bank.