Laura Spencer

Laura Spencer 39, devoted mother, daughter and sister died Tuesday, November 2, 2004 at her parent?s home in Fountain Hills, Arizona while waiting for a pancreas and kidney transplant. She passed away peacefully in her sleep after spending two laugh-filled wonderful days with her mother Barbara, step-father Ollie, and her favorite Aunt Kathy. She was in good physical condition and received rave reports from her doctors. Her exuberance about feeling better and some day living a normal life with her precious ?Alex? was beginning to be a reality to her. All who knew her admired her tenacious spirit and her wonderful sense of humor. Laura was born December 26, 1964 in Watervliet, MI to Roger and Barbara (Sodus) Spencer. She graduated from St. Joseph High School (class of 1982), and earned her teaching degree from Michigan State University. During her life, she was employed by The Berrien Co. Health Dept., was proprietor of ?My Sister?s Sister Boutique? in St. Joseph and a much loved teacher at Lake Michigan Catholic Elementary School. She is survived by her daughter Spencer Alexandra ?Alex? Siegel of Lubbock, TX; Her mother Barbara and step-father Oliver Harte of St. Joseph; seven brothers-Jeffery (Paulette) Harte of Missoula, MT, David Harte of Missoula, MT, Ted Harte of St. Joseph, William (Elaine) Harte of Baroda, Phillip (Laurie) Harte of St. Joseph, Johnathan Harte of St. Joseph, Patrick (Aubrey) Harte of Dowagiac; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, a nephew, special friend Tim Siegel, and ?God-children? Laura and Olivia Starks. She was preceded in death by her sister Tracey Starks July 20, 2004; Grandmother Irene Spencer September 12, 2004 and father Roger Spencer November 25, 2001. Friends may call on the family Monday, November 8, from 5:00 -7:00 P.M., with prayers recited at 7:00 P.M., at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at10:00 A.M., Tuesday, with Msgr. Eugene Sears officiating, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St., St. Joseph. Entombment will be in North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Those wishing to sign the guest book or share a memory online may do so at www.stark-menchinger.com