PIERRE, SD – Laurel “Laurie” Taylor, aged 64, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2024, at Maryhouse in Pierre, SD. Born on December 1, 1959, in Garrison, ND, Laurie was the beloved daughter of Robert L. Taylor and Stella (Clark) Taylor. The Taylor family resided in Riverdale before relocating to Pierre in 1972, where Laurie completed her high school education.

Laurie’s life was a tapestry of experiences and adventures. She lived in various places including Miles City, Las Vegas, California, Denver, Rapid City, but ultimately returned to Pierre. Her personal journey included marriages to Gordon Trucker and Mark Birdsong. Professionally, Laurie’s career was as diverse as her residences. She worked in a multitude of roles ranging from traveling with a circus to serving as a food service worker and barmaid. She also drove rail crews to job sites, worked as a chambermaid in motels, operated Transit vans in Pierre, and held positions at prisons in Rapid City and Pierre. Laurie’s compassionate nature shone through in her work caretaking at group homes.

A woman of many passions, Laurie had a special place in her heart for her cat Max, whom she dearly missed after parting ways with him. Her life was marked by unique coincidences, including sharing the date of her passing, May 8th, with her oldest sister Peggy Dodds who passed on the same day in 1987, and her grandfather Clark who passed on May 8th, 1979.

Laurie was predeceased by her parents, her sister Peggy Dodds, and her brothers Dick and Pat. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her surviving family members, including her brothers Ron (Heather) of Parksville, BC, Jerry of Denver, and her sister Jean Pierson (Ron) of Apache Junction, AZ. She will also be fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will continue to honor her legacy.

Laurie’s life was a journey of courage, resilience, and love. She touched the lives of many with her vibrant spirit and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Cremation has taken place, and in accordance with Laurie’s wishes, no services are planned. Her life’s story will be told in the memories shared by friends and family, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved.

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