Laura Alaina VanDerBos received the healing she so richly deserved on November 2, 2015.
She was born on April 11, 2003, the daughter of Eric VanDerBos and Trisha (Warner) Cwayna. She was a student at Grand Ledge Public Schools, and while she was only 12, she acted well beyond her years. Laura’s friends and family could always see her coming from a mile away – she had a unique fashion sense that consisted of bright, mix and match colors and bold patterns – just like her personality. She used art for inspiration and healing and had an enviable Sharpie collection.
Laura loved helping out in the kitchen – from cakes and brownies to mac n’ cheese and spaghetti tacos, Laura loved it all. She also enjoyed swimming, participating in Girl Scouts, and volunteering at the Humane Society. She had an amazing love for animals. SpongeBob Squarepants, Grey's Anatomy and various ghost shows were always playing on her iPad.
But above all else, Laura adored both of her brothers. She and her big brother Owen had a playful relationship with lots of laughter and constant jokes. And to her little brother, Grant, Laura was like a second mother; watching over and protecting him and always making sure he had the best birthday and Christmas presents.
Laura’s strength and courage throughout her daily struggle with cancer has spread around the country with #Love4Laura and various fundraising efforts to assist her family with her care which often times took her away from home for days and weeks on end. Her story has inspired many, including friends from afar and people she had never even met. Her family wishes to expressly thank all of the people over the years who have prayed for and supported Laura's heroic fight.
Laura is survived by her mother Trisha (Benjamin) Cwayna, father Eric VanDerBos, (Lynn Bastian)and brothers Owen VanDerBos and Grant Cwayna, all of Grand Ledge, MI. She is also survived by Grandparents Les and Martha Warner of St. Johns, MI, Scott and Carolyn Wing of Carson City, MI, Daniel and Patsy Cwayna of Lansing, MI, Patricia Ames of Grand Ledge, MI and Ross VanDerBos of Carson City, MI.
Memorial contributions in Laura's honor may be made to Candlelighter's NYC, attn: Barbara Zobian, 345 E. 73rd. St., Apt 2L, NY, NY 10021 or
www.candlelightersnyc.org/donate.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Grand Ledge Baptist Church, 1120 Willow Hwy, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015, 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. and on Wednesday, November 4, 2015, 11:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M.
Private funeral services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns, MI 48879 www.keckcolemanfh.com.
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