Laura Jeanine Duffy was born in Tacoma, Washington on September 1, 1952. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in June, 1971, and started dating Stephen Spaulding whom she met about six months earlier.

Laura and Steve soon fell in love and were married on February 19, 1972 in a ceremony at St. Patrick Catholic Church, officiated by Steve's father, Rev. Kent Spaulding.

Laura worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Glen Murray until July, 1974 when she and Steve were gifted with the birth of their son Paul. Daughter Kari followed in October, 1976.

Laura was a stay-at-home mom until both kids were in school. She then took a part time position at Carbide Processors that allowed her go to work after the kids had left for school and then arrive back home before the kids returned. She was a loving and attentive mother.

While Paul and Kari were attending Point Defiance Elementary School Laura was very involved with the PTA and became the "popcorn lady" on Friday afternoons. She was honored as a Golden Acorn recipient for her service to the school and children.

Through the 1980s Laura held down the fort at home while Steve returned to school and traveled regularly for work. She was the anchor of the family.

In the 1990s Laura and a friend teamed up together and started The Muffin Lady – a food delivery service. They built a commercial kitchen where they made soups, snacks, and lunches for delivery to local businesses. She managed purchasing, people, work schedules, dispatch and budgets. This experience helped grow her confidence in her own abilities.

After several years she sold her half of the business to her partner and took some time off. Eventually she went back to work at Malm's Dry Cleaning and stayed there until she retired.

Laura especially loved her four grandchildren, and was fortunate enough to be able to watch each of them at least one day a week until they started school. As the kids grew she became "shoe grandma" who bought them whatever shoes they wanted for their birthdays (even if their parents thought they were too expensive).

In the family Laura was known affectionately as both "the big boss" and the family historian. She was not materialistic and was always content with what she had in life.

Laura liked to travel, and over the years she and Steve took many trips to Sacramento, Reno, Las Vegas, Disneyland and Seaside. They took trips to Mexico with many friends, and managed to squeeze in a couple of cruises. In 2005, along with sister Karen and brother-in-law Rick, they went to Europe for three weeks and were able to visit their former German exchange student Maxie. But Laura's favorite vacation spot was Maui where she was lucky enough to go many times. She loved the warmth and relaxed vibe of Kihei.

Laura was a wonderful woman who loved her family and friends deeply. She will be missed so much.

Laura is survived by her loving husband of 50 years Steve; her son Paul (Alyson) and grandchildren Kellen and Claire; daughter Kari (Jeremy) and grandchildren Tyler and Taryn; brother Mike Duffy; sisters Karen Kraushar, Kathy Remick, and Ann Jennings. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to your local food bank or Caring For Kids in Lakewood.

Services to be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by The Narrows (ELCA) 6730 N 17th St, Tacoma, WA 98406. December 10, 2022 at 1 PM.