LAURA LOWNDES sat quietly beside her father in the car. It was her favorite time of day when the world slowed down, and she could simply be with her dad. Maybe it was the engine’s steady rumble, the brakes’ soft creak, or the way the tires kicked up dust as they rolled through dirt roads. Or perhaps it was the joys of watching her father give so selflessly and effortlessly to his most vulnerable patients, seeing them heal under his care.
Her father, a general physician, was always calm — no matter where the day took him. He didn’t mind the long hours or the winding roads to patients’ homes because they were all part of his duty. She remembered the small house calls, where they would pull up to a modest home, where the porch sagged just a bit under the weight of years.
Her father would always step out of the car with the same humility and preparation. Laura watched as he greeted the families, the men and women, with weary expressions and gentle eyes, all with the same respect.
During those car rides, he often spoke to her about the importance of sharing with and valuing others, regardless of their social status, race, background, or religion. But his actions, more than his words, left the deepest impression on her. Laura would carry those lessons with her for the rest of her life.
Selflessness has become Laura’s anchor. She has a gift for seeing what others need, and she’s spent a lifetime giving freely, making her corner of the world a little brighter every day.
Through everything — life’s joys, challenges, and the years she spent traveling the world — one thing has always been true: Laura’s heart and her door are always open to others.
As an adult, her father’s example of kindness and humility naturally led Laura into a career where she could continue to give back. She became one of the first teachers at North Junior High School, where she taught ninth grade Latin as an elective and introductory French to seventh and eighth graders. Later, she transitioned the introductory language courses to Spanish to give her students practical tools to connect with an ever-changing world.
While her years in the classroom were meaningful, Laura’s life outside of teaching was equally impactful. She and her late husband, Dick, were inseparable in their devotion to the community. Dick’s aeronautical engineering job took him around the globe, from Saudi Arabia to Israel, but no matter where life led them, Estill Springs was always home.
After years of adventure and raising their children, Laura discovered that her true purpose was helping those who needed it most.
Laura and Dick joyfully engaged in community activities, with Laura especially dedicating herself to serving through local food pantries at her home church, Trinity Episcopal, and local support groups. One of those support groups was the Multi-County Cancer Support Network, which provides resources to families of loved ones with cancer.
Laura remembered the humbling moment when she was first diagnosed with cancer. She vividly recalled the difficult days of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, but even then, she found herself looking around at others who were suffering more.
“I would just look around and see people who had it so much worse than I did,” Laura explained.
As a 30-year cancer survivor, her battle with the disease has given her renewed joy and a new perspective on life, which she said she wants to extend to others who have shared similar experiences.
“Life is a gift to us, and those of us who’ve been fortunate enough to survive feel so grateful that we want to share this love back with other people,” she said.
This experience deepened her desire to ensure no one felt alone in their struggles, leading her to greater involvement with Trinity Episcopal Church and another organization near and dear to her heart — the Alzheimer’s Association.
Throughout her life, Laura has been an advocate for those facing life’s greatest challenges, and one cause particularly close to her heart is Alzheimer’s disease.
She joined the Alzheimer’s Association years ago when a close friend and fellow teacher was diagnosed. The disease took hold of her swiftly, and Laura and a group of friends rallied around her.
That year, Laura and her friends organized a group walk to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s. At the time, her dear friend could still walk and talk, and on the day of the event, they proudly held the banner to start the walk. Her friend stood at the center, surrounded by family and friends — those who loved and supported her through every step of the journey.
“I got started that first year and just never quit.”
That first walk was only the beginning of Laura’s support for the Alzheimer’s cause. This initiative became even more personal as she later watched her husband battle Parkinson’s disease.
“Parkinson’s is another form of dementia that people don’t recognize a lot.”
Through her ongoing support of the Alzheimer’s Association and personal experiences, Laura has gained a greater understanding of the challenges others face. She often reflects on the lessons she learned while caring for her husband and the inspiration she finds in those who face adversity with grace.
“I think my awareness of people through those different groups, as well as my own experience with cancer, is what led me into the ministry that I’m doing.”
Today, Laura serves as a deacon at her church, a position she took on after much prayer and consideration.
“This is a servant ministry,” she said, “particularly with ministering to those in need — focusing on the widows, the orphans, the unhoused, and the strangers.”
You’ll often find Laura at the food pantry, listening to people share their struggles, stories, and hopes.
“A lot of our unhoused and disadvantaged people are not looked upon as people. I think that the ability to socialize is extremely important, and we have to do that as well.”
When she’s not at the pantry, Laura is still busy finding ways to make a difference. You might spot her participating in a water aerobics class at the Winchester Swimplex, where she enjoys a morning of fitness and fellowship or organizing Thanksgiving baskets for families in need.
Whatever she’s doing, Laura lives her life with the same values she learned during house visits with her father by uplifting those in need. In every aspect of her life, Laura has shown what it means to be a true neighbor, spreading love and light wherever she goes. GN
