Laura M. Carlson

Loving wife, momma, grandma, sister passed away peacefully surrounded family on July 13, 2025 following a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Preceded in death by parents, John & Thomasine Sinclair. Survived by husband of 28 years, Buck; children, Chelsea (Colin) Clark; Dustin (Kelcey), Paige; grandchildren, Juniper, Gemma, Solie; sisters, Deb (Pat) Lalley, Barb (Mark) Irons; adoring nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

My mom was a beautiful, charismatic, free spirit. This was noted many times over the course of her life by the places in which she ended up, the extraordinary friends that she collected and the grand adventures that they shared along the way. She was extremely magnetic, and once she got hold of you, she would pour her whole heart into you. That’s just the kind of person that she was.

She was a talented musician and an accomplished songwriter. I’m beyond lucky that she passed along those gifts to me. She taught me how to play instruments by ear, sitting with me at the piano or with her guitar and encouraging me to “listen, feel, then play”. Whatever random instrument she happened to pick up, she’d play like she’d been at it for years. Then, she would pass it my way and beam as she watched me fumble to figure it out.

Her musicianship was as impressive as her voice. My mom’s voice was so soulful. She sang with conviction, with power, with all of her heart. Some of my favorite memories are of us singing and playing music together over the years.

Her pride in her children was undeniable. She was overflowing with admiration for us, even when (and maybe especially when) we messed up, because she had unwavering faith that we would turn it around and make it right. Even at the end, I saw that twinkle in her eye as she watched us together. She was so proud of the strong bond we share.

And my goodness, she certainly adored her three grandchildren. She spent a lot of time with Juniper and Gemma, most recently up at the cabin, and she was thrilled that she was able to meet sweet Solie in Ohio. Her role as grandma was so important to her and she truly treasured these kids. They will miss her so much.

We discovered her cancer in 2023 and it has been relentless since the day she was diagnosed. And still, she fought like hell. It was an incredibly difficult journey and she was so brave through it all. That type of strength and resilience is truly otherworldly and is a testament to how much my mom wanted to be here, both with us and for us.

She felt infinite love at the end, surrounded by both of her sisters, her three children and her soulmate. She was able to celebrate one last wedding anniversary yesterday and tell us all one more “I love you”. Well, Momma, just like you’d always say, we love you to the moon and back. Infinity and beyond. You lived a big, beautiful life and you fought so damn hard to stay here for us. I am so proud to be your daughter. No more pain…you can rest now. Your spirit will live on in our stories, in your songs, and I’ll carry your love with me forever. We are devastated beyond belief, but I promise that we will take care of each other.

A ceremony to celebrate Laura’s life will be at 12 Noon Saturday, August 16th with visitation beginning at 10 AM at Hosanna Lutheran Church, Forest Lake.

Memorials preferred to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.