JULIA ANNA LAUFENBERG

Julia Anna Laufenberg, 49, of Mount Vernon, died peacefully at home while surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, July 23 after a decade-long fight.

She was first diagnosed with brain cancer in October 2005 and courageously battled the first tumor into remission. She was able to live a full, happy life for the next nine years.

She was born on September 14, 1965 in Moses Lake. Julia graduated from Othello High School in 1983, then moved to La Conner, where she met and married the love of her life, Peter Laufenberg. They celebrated 27 years of marriage together.

Julia and Peter moved to Mount Vernon to raise their two children. She was a devoted stay-at-home mom, who never missed an opportunity to attend a piano lesson, sporting event, monitor school work or go to a nearby Aerosmith concert.

When her children got older, Julia went to work for the Mount Vernon School District. She was well known for her smile and sense of humor, as well as her strong work ethic.

Julia was also a grateful member of a 12-step recovery program that saved her life and allowed her to be the wife, mother, daughter, friend, and sister she wanted to be. She celebrated 24 years clean and sober on April 7, 2015. Her home group was Bladerunners for 26 years, where she gave back to that program by doing service work at her home group, district and area levels.

She went to hospitals and institutions and carried the message of hope, faith and courage. She facilitated 12-step workshops for men and women to teach the steps and devoted her time to many one-on-one sponsees. She is an inspiration and a shining example of what the program represents.

Julia was preceded in death by her father Frank Kennelly and her stepsister Janice Kanenwisher.

She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Gloria and Gary Kanenwisher, her husband Peter Laufenberg, daughter Bailey (Brandon) Laufenberg, son Dominic, sister Coleen (Stan) Wade, brother Michael Kennelly, stepsiblings Patty and Glenn (Lori) Kanenwisher, granddaughter Randi Lowe, many aunts and uncles including Aunt Jessica (Bob) Jahns, numerous nieces and nephews and best friend Marla Jo (Frank) Jones.

Her memorial service and celebration of life were held on Tuesday.