Published: 9/6/2017 3:01:28 AM
Modified: 9/6/2017 3:01:36 AM
Post Mills, Vt. — Laura Kinne passed from this life on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, and all who knew and loved her know that the world is now a lesser place.
Laurie was born on Sept. 10, 1955, to Thomas and Nancy Patterson in Battle Creek, Mich. and throughout her childhood lived with her five sisters and brothers in various places across Michigan. In 1980 she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing which began a lifetime of care and compassion for others. Laurie was especially proud of her years as a Hospice and Homecare Nurse and Angel for various agencies in Connecticut, (including The Connecticut Hospice in Branford Connecticut) Vermont and New Hampshire. Countless patients were blessed with her tender care and support throughout her long career, most recently at Wheelock Terrace in Hanover where she was Medical Service Director.
Laurie was a loving mother to her two sons and managed to make each feel like he alone was her favorite, a much debated subject between her boys to this day. Her love for her boys was only outdone by her tenacity and “mother bear” like protection of them as they grew up in life. She never relinquished that role and was both their greatest cheerleader, coach, and supporter. They love her dearly.
Throughout her life Laurie had an unyielding love for all animals but in particular for her adopted cats and rescued dogs. Her home often provided a safe loving place for pairs of dogs and cats, each equally loved and spoiled.
Laurie married her adoring husband Chip (Harry) Kinne on May 9, 1981, and they spent the next 36 years happily living their lives together, raising their boys and deepening their love for each other. Words cannot describe her husband’s feeling of loss or his love and gratefulness for the many years they were able to be together.
The eldest child, Laurie, treasured her five brothers and sisters and her mother; all of Michigan. Despite the physical distance between them they remained extremely close throughout the years.
Laurie’s many friends remember her as a feisty, adventurous and loyal person whose generosity and compassion were unsurpassed. She is greatly missed.
Laurie leaves behind her husband of 36 years, Chip (Harry) Kinne; her sons, Harry C. Kinne IV of Hartford, Conn., Benjamin Forbes Kinne of Montpelier, Vt.; her sisters Karen Gruss (Gary) and Susan Mendocha; her brothers, Thomas Patterson, Michael Patterson, and Joseph Patterson; and her beloved mother, Nancy VanderMolen (Jim) whose strength and family devotion were instilled in her eldest daughter. Laurie was preceded in death by her father.
The family thanks the caring people at Norris Cotton Cancer Center and Bayada Hospice for their compassion and care throughout her illness.
A celebration of Laurie’s life will take place on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. at The First Congregational Church in Thetford Hill, Vt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Upper Valley Humane Society Enfield, NH 03748.