Laura Shookster
January 15, 2021
Laura Shookster, 56, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away January 15, 2021.
Laura Philippe was born in Queens, NY on June 22nd, 1964. She lived in Levittown with Diana, her mother; John, her father; and her brothers Louis and Michael and her younger sister Diana.
She graduated from the Licensed Practical Nurse program at Hofstra University and had a rewarding career as nurse, helping patients of all ages. But she loved the smell of newborn babies the best!
Laura married Robert Shookster. He was brilliant with all things mechanical and had an ability to fix or modify anything. Together, they had the most awesome child – Emily Anne. Laura picked her name from literature, Anne of the Green Gables.
Laura’s best job was as a mother. She didn’t spoil Emily with material things, she gave all her love and time. I can remember seeing them skip through puddles in the rain. Play with our dog Oliver for hours. And laugh and cry at things like the best of friends. And watch Up, with an affinity for collecting bottle caps resulting from it.
There were lots of Blink moments made, but two I can recall were when Emily (finally!) picked her wedding dress. They rang the bell and the tears of happiness were joyous. Next was when Emily and Taylor were married. The most beautiful bride, the most handsome groom. The wedding was on a bright and clear Louisiana day in October of 2019.
Laura was an extremely loyal friend. It wasn’t easy to earn that friendship, it was like you just got a gift of happiness and beauty. She was very spiritual and had a small script tattoo which read “Faith, Hope and Love” - the three gifts every Lutheran will always have from Colossians 3:14.
She is survived by her mother Diana Frazer, her sister Diana Becker, her brothers Louis Philippe and Michael Philippe, her daughter Emily McAnally and her fiancé Joseph Fitzgerald.
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I'm so deeply sorry for your lost. I'll always remember Laura's kindness and smile.
We met in prison. She was in for removing pillow tags and over due books. We drove all the time, listening to country music and yacht rock, singing just a little too loud. We’d take extra packets of sugar and steal straws. Rebels!
Sure, she was a brilliant nurse and an avid lover of nature. But what she found the most beautiful was any child’s macaroni art! She also loved Little House on the Prairie, garage sales, and rainy days.
Blink! She told me that whenever you’re in a great moment, if it’s a babies first step, or their hundredth laugh, close your eyes and lock that experience in your memory forever. This great gift I want to pass on to everyone. “Faith, Love and Hope”.
Joseph, I am so very sorry to learn of Laura’s passing. My heart is breaking for you and Emily. I will keep you both in my prayers. With love and a heavy heart, Danny.
I am deeply saddened by for loss. Our memories of calls talking about our kids and hearing your jolly, gentle voice. I wish I would have gotten to know you longer❤️ I want to thank you for putting Emily into our lives. You gave us a blessing and another family member. I know your with Jesus. We will always keep your memories alive of you and Joe at the wedding so happy and the love I saw between you and Emily priceless. RIP Laura until we all meet again, that’s Gods promised to his children. 💔🙏❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am deeply saddened by for loss. Our memories of calls talking about our kids and hearing your jolly, gentle voice. I wish I would have gotten to know you longer❤️ I want to thank you for putting Emily into our lives. You gave us a blessing and another family member. I know your with Jesus. We will always keep your memories alive of you and Joe at the wedding so happy and the love I saw between you and Emily priceless. RIP Laura until we all meet again, that’s Gods promised to his children. 💔🙏❤️
Laura, we may have been out of sight through most of our lives you were never out of mind… you were always in my thoughts and prayers.
I will always feel a inner part of me is missing but find peace knowing you are in Gods embrace now.
With love always…
Lou
O God, who brought us to birth, and in whose arms we die, in our grief and shock, contain and comfort us; embrace us with your love, give us hope in our confusion and grace to let go into new life; through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Laura, my sister, my first friend. Words can not express the loss I feel in my heart. I regret the time we let pass by without eachother. You are my big sister, the one I laughed and cried with. You taught me everything about life, sister things, and all the things Mom did not. You raised us when Mom could not, and in your death, I have learned so much. I could never express how thankful I am to have had that time with you growing up. You were an amazing sister, nurse, Mom, and friend to so many. I miss our sister talks, nursing talks, and all of the times you came to my unit 4 South, from yours 4 North, to help me with my patients. Heaven has gained an amazing angel. Although this platform separates us now, we will be together again one day. I will keep every blink moment locked in my heart, and feel your spirit in every sunset and see your spirit in heavens rays that shine so bright. The memory of your laughter will always warm my heart. Rest in peace where you are free from sickness and pain big sister. I love you.
Dearest Laura, I will remember so much about you, and I will miss so much about you. I will always remember our dancing to The Hustle during Dick Clark's Rock and Eve, and our whipping around the dance floor at my wedding. I will always remember your sweet smile and infectious laugh, your pearls of wisdom whispered in my ear. You strived to be the best daughter, sister, and mother . You were an angel on Earth and now you have gained your wings in Heaven. I am comforted to know that you are at peace. I send kisses to Heaven. Love you.
To my cousin Laura. Looking back at life at happy memories and smiling . You being a bridesmaid in my wedding. Swimming in my pool and family dinners. We lost contact with each other and went our different ways but family is always family. We always think about family but don’t always call. I am sorry for that. There was so much we missed. God gained another angle . We are great full you are in no more pain and can now live a beautiful life in heaven. You will be missed and not forgotten. Fly free and high . Until we meet again
13 October 2019 is the date that comes to our minds when we think of Laura.
Radiant, Beaming, Loving, Thoughtful, Happy, Kind, Caring
She always was bur particularly that day that with her family and friends the wedding of Emily and Taylor.
With our love and prayers
I don't know what to say about Laura, so many stories, so many years. She was one of a kind, we had our good times and bad. We lost touch over the years but will be missed and remembered with love
Cousin Laura, may you Rest In Peace and watch over your wonderful daughter. Thankful for the memories when I was young with you and the stories I hear from the rest of our family. Love always.
To my Sister in law, I am sorry and saddened by your loss. I will always remember everyone gathering around a makeshift table, sitting on end tables for chairs for Thanksgiving and other holidays each year and just enjoying family. Although time passed, we always thought there would be time to do and say the things that needed to be done and said. There were many"blinks" looking back, the girls playing Barbie's or going to Easter egg hunts. You will be missed here but heaven has gained another angel. RIP Laura, until we meet again.
The sudden passing of family is a shock to the heart no matter how distant. Blessed to have all the memories to think back on and wishing there were more. Be at peace and watch over the family.
Aunt Laura I remember all of the family holidays and time together when I was younger. I will miss you so much. I have peace in my heart knowing you are no longer in pain and you are free, watching over our family from heaven. Rest in Peace.
I will always remember Aunt Laura as a loving and kind woman with a big smile, a great laugh, and a really fun, mischievous streak. I'll never forget all of the great memories from Easter egg hunts, trick or treating, and dance routines during holiday dinners. Rest in peace, Aunt Laura. Love always.
Laura has always been such an amazing light, and brightness for our family. Her time was too short, but we find serenity & peace knowing she is flying high among the angels and that she is no longer in pain. She will be forever loved and missed.
Dear Laura, I have never seen my son Joseph be as happy as when he is with you. His eae-to-ear smile can be seen for miles especially when you-all walk hand-in-hand. God bless and Love – Dad
Miss you!
I hope you're in a better place!
Love always!