Laurie Elizabeth Draudt's Obituary
Laurie Elizabeth Draudt (nee Lord) passed away on April 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family with our hands gently holding hers.
Laurie was a devoted wife, mother, proud grandmother, daughter, sister, and mother-in-law, whose vibrant spirit and love for life touched all who knew her.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Dan Draudt, who was not only the love of her life but also her best friend and biggest cheerleader throughout her courageous fight with cancer; her two sons, Nicholas Lord and his wife, Josephine, and Joseph (Gianna) Lord and her stepdaughter, Tanya (Nick) Kerwin.
She was a cherished grandmother to Carson and JJ, who lovingly knew her as “MoMo,” and step-grandmother to Rylie, Payton, and Nicholas.
She is also survived by her loving mother, Mary; her sisters, Lisa (Giv) and youngest sister Amy, who loved her deeply; her mother-in-law, Georgiana “GG” Ogden; and her beloved nephews Sean, Jake (Kelly) and Jarrett (Annalise), as well as her great-nephew Rory and great-niece Amelia.
She was preceded in death by her father, Mack Lord.
Her family was the center of her world, and she found immense joy in watching them grow and thrive.
She admired her oldest son, Nicholas, for his service in the military and his work as an Independence police officer, and she was incredibly proud of the man he became. She cherished her close and loving relationship with her youngest son, Joey, finding joy in their shared laughter and the small acts of kindness that meant so much. Laurie was immensely proud to be their mom.
Laurie shared a special bond with her sister Lisa, who lovingly referred to her as “Myrtle,” a nickname that reflected their closeness and affection for one another.
In a deeply meaningful moment, on the evening before her passing, Laurie was present as her son Joseph married Gianna in an intimate ceremony surrounded by love, a promise Joseph lovingly kept to his mom.
Laurie had a special love for the outdoors. Whether camping under the stars or simply taking in the beauty of nature, she embraced life with a sense of adventure and a true zest for living. Her laughter, resilience, and free spirit were gifts to everyone around her. She also had her beloved dog, Chloe, by her side throughout her illness until the very end.
She will be remembered for her strength, her kindness, and the deep love she gave so freely. Laurie’s presence brought light and comfort to those around her, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
A private celebration of her life will be held with close friends and family.
The family encourages honoring Laurie’s memory by spending time outdoors with loved ones.
“Please don’t remember me with sadness. My greatest joy was being your mom, your wife, your family, your friend. Carry on with strength, kindness, and most of all with love for one another, that’s how I’ll live on through you."
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