Laurie Rae Guthrie (neé Fisher, born April 12th, 1977) passed away peacefully on July 6th at the apartment she shared with her partner, Joe, and their dogs. She was 45 years young.

She should be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, mother, and dog "pawrent," fiercely loyal friend and partner, jump-hug enthusiast, thoughtful gift-giver, massive Louisville Cardinals fan, outstanding accounts payable/receivable manager, a beyond-brilliant student (as recognized by her academic achievements at Louisville Male High School and her entrance exams and coursework at Murray State University)—and her son's best and favorite teacher.

For 20 years, Laurie was employed at Marvin Maeser Plumbing/Maeser Master Services. Though she was no longer employed there, she leaves a legacy of friendship with past and present employees.

Despite having a hilariously unparalleled ability to sleep through multiple blaring alarms, Laurie only missed a total of two of her son's 50+ college soccer games over four years—home or away, even though her son hardly played. She was stubborn and persnickety, but she had a smile that could light up a room, a heart so big that you always knew how much she cared, and a laugh so obnoxious that you might feel uncomfortable—but in the best way. She loved jamming to 80s rock and 90s grunge and 2000s alternative—and all sorts of rap—on full blast with the windows down, and going to concerts. She never ordered off the menu ("can you do this…?"), and she was a blackened chicken, spinach, salsa, and golden delicious apple connoisseur. She always used way too much black and crushed red pepper when she cooked—but her meals were delicious anyway. Other than in front of the TV watching one of her shows (like Law & Order SVU or Bob's Burgers), her favorite place was just being outside—mostly laying out to "get some sun," going on walks, and eating on outdoor patios with her family, friends, and dogs.

In recent years, Laurie privately battled with her mental health and alcohol use disorder, illnesses which she hated and against which she fought—but for which she struggled to get treatment, over which she had no control, and that ultimately took her life far too soon. Through it all, though, she maintained her love for her friends and family as best as she could. She will be sorely and forever missed, but her family and friends take solace in the fact that she is no longer struggling and that she can finally get some peaceful rest without those alarms.

Preceded in death by her mother, Donna Laurie Fisher, and her dog, Jedi, she leaves her treasured memories to her only son, Hunter; her beloved partner, Joe; her dogs, Bruce Lee Roy and Wookiee; her father, Ken; her aunts, Barb, Rae, and Winnie; her Uncle Del; her brothers Brian, Brent, Derek, and Daniel; her sister-in-law, Egan; her nephews, Ayden and Lennon; her niece, Aura Rae; and her many friends and found family members.

A visitation and celebration of life will be held from 3pm - 7pm on Tuesday, July 12th at Fern Creek Funeral Home (5406 Bardstown Road). In her honor, please consider donations to secular non-profits dedicated to raising awareness of--and improving accessibility, equitability, and affordability of treatment for--challenges related to those that took Laurie's life.