Laura Cordin-Barone, 54, of Oak Harbor, died April 20, 2011, at Skagit Valley Hospital due to heart complications.

Laura grew up in Chelsea, Mich., on a 10,000-acre farm where her passion for animals began. She loved cheerleading, piano and drama in her high school years and was a graduate of Albion College with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. She moved to Washington in 1988 with her two daughters Nikki and Kristen. Laura loved living on Whidbey Island and the small knit community it offered.

She had various occupations during her time here and enjoyed working with the public. She has since worked at our local Saar’s Market Place for the past seven years and has touched many people as they went through her line at work.

She is survived by her three daughters, Nikki, Kristen and Deanna Barone, her sister Tanzi Cordin and her beloved animals.

Laura’s biggest accomplishment she felt in her life was her daughters. Those who knew Laura best will remember her as a devoted mother, sister, animal lover, kind-hearted friend and someone whose personality sparkled just as bright as her smile.

A memorial service was held April 25 at the Christian Reform Church to celebrate her life.

Donations to the family can be made to the “Memorial fund for Laura Barone” at Whidbey Island Bank. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, Oak Harbor.