Laurie A. Mayes, 69, of Port Austin, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Laurie was born on October 30, 1955, daughter of  the late Harold and Betty (McCrea) Mayes.  She attended St. Michael's Parish School, Port Austin High School, and Michigan State University, where she earned a Masters in Early Childhood Education and Curriculum.

Laurie taught elementary students in grade kindergarten, first, second, and fifth, eventually moving into administration in Fowlerville.  She served as an elementary principal in Fowlerville, St. Clair, and Fenton districts.  Laurie finished her 36-year career with Hartland Consolidated Schools as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum.  She was very proud of the work accomplished with the help of staff and administration.  Her legacy continues to show through their success with the state testing and student growth.  Laurie was fortunate to find a career that she was passionate about and enjoyed going to work every day!

Laurie's greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends.  In the beautiful family home she purchased on the shores of Lake Huron, she would host big multigenerational parties for 4th of July, Christmas, birthdays, and other occasions.  Laurie organized menus, sleeping arrangements, and schedules for these events with ease and joy.  Her home was filled with good food, a crackling fire in the winter, beach sand in the summer, and warm hospitality all year round.  Laurie also enjoyed traveling, especially to tropical locations, gardening, arts and crafts, and spending time with friends.

Laurie is survived by her beloved family; her brothers, Jim and William (Karen); her sister, Janet (George); her sister-in-law, Laura Mayes; nephews, Scott (Mary Jo) Mayes, Mark (Andrea) Mayes, John (Nic) Farquhar, Chad (Emily) Eidson, Joshua (Tori) Eidson, Adam (Rustie) Mayes, Eric (Michelle) Mayes; and nieces, Kim Asher, Nicole (Kris) Jettner, and Lori (Mark) Wurn.  Laurie took great happiness in spending time with her great nephews and nieces, especially Ben, Joshua, Carson, Lucas, Arianna, Sienna, Kenzy, and Aly.  She is also survived by many loving cousins, aunts, and friends in Port Austin and beyond.

Laurie was preceded in death by her brother, Mike and her sister-in-law, Bonnie Mayes.

Laurie will be dearly missed by her long-time friends… "the girls", Laura DuBreuil and Gail Tupy, who spent years together traveling, laughing, drinking Long Island iced teas, and Spartan tailgating.  She will also be missed by her devoted dog, Daisy, who brought her so much joy and comfort into her life.

Laurie will be as dearly missed as she was dearly loved!

Memorials may be made to the Port Austin Library.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10am at St. Michael's Catholic Church of the Annunciation of the Lord Parish.  There will be visitation Saturday morning from 9am until the time of service at 10am at the church.  Arrangements are being handled by the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde.