Obituary of Laura Ellen Barrett

Laura Ellen Barrett

Laura Ellen Barrett was born on January 6, 1955, in Cleveland, OH, to Joan Marie Barrett (née Roberts) and John Joseph (Jack) Barrett. She died on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Chapel Hill NC.

Laura was raised in Warrensville Heights and Lyndhurst, OH. She graduated from Laurel School in Shaker Heights, OH, in 1973. In 1977, she received her AB degree in English from Duke University. She then worked for a technical publishing company in Cleveland, where she honed her editing, proofreading, and writing skills.

In 1984, Laura relocated to Cary, NC, to accept a marketing position with Kimley-Horn, a consulting engineering and planning firm. She spent 30 years at Kimley-Horn in various marketing roles that gave her the opportunity to advance and flourish in her career. She also was a founding member of the Triangle chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services. Laura retired to Chapel Hill in 2015.

Her interests included reading and following the Cleveland Browns and Duke basketball. She also loved to travel. A devoted Anglophile, she visited the United Kingdom and Europe regularly. She loved touring historic sites and National Trust properties, attending concerts and plays, and especially having afternoon tea in her beloved Britain.

Laura often said the luckiest day of her life was the day she was born—the daughter of Joan and Jack Barrett and the sister of Geoffrey Scott Barrett, each of whom provided a profound positive influence throughout her life. She also was blessed with many dear family members and friends who supported her steadfastly throughout her long illness. She is survived by her brother Geoff and numerous cousins, including Brock (Beth), Barrett, and Barbara Coleman; Victoria (Jon) and Ivy Suib; Frances Carson; Margaret Nettleton; Robert Boyle; and Geoffrey (Rachelle), Lucas, Hunter, and Ryan Nettleton.

The family wishes to thank the gyn oncology team at UNC Hospital led by Dr. Linda Van Le, the staff of the UNC Hillsborough Oncology Infusion Clinic, and hospice.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Alternatively, friends and loved ones can gather for afternoon tea in Laura’s memory.

Walker's Funeral Home in Chapel Hill is assisting the family.