In Memory

Laurie VanDeusen (Van Reeth) - Class Of 1969 VIEW PROFILE

Obituary

Laurie passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday October 29th, 2022 at the age of 71.

LVD. Aunt Laurie. Queen Bee. Mother Hen. Eagle Eye. Lorelie. Mom. Grammie.

Laurie was born in Albany, NY on December 13th, 1950. She moved with her family to Bayberry Drive in her beloved Lake Park with her family in 1957 and attended Riviera Beach High School, graduating as part of the Class of 1969. During her tenure at Winn-Dixie at 49th St. and Broadway, she was the victim of an armed robbery; the pivotal moment that inspired her life-long career in law enforcement. She enrolled in the police academy and became only the second uniformed female police officer at the West Palm Beach Police Department in January 1979. Laurie chose the ID#666, much to her Catholic mother’s chagrin.

It was at WPBPD that “Eagle Eye” would meet her husband Bob, marrying him in 1981. Laurie’s insatiable curiosity and detail-oriented nature made her an obvious fit for the detective bureau, where she forged ahead to have a near 30-year career focused on advocating relentlessly for victims of heinous crimes, many of whom were children. Her diligent work and dedicated efforts powered her to rise through the ranks, ultimately earning the rank of Captain of Police. Retiring in 2007, Laurie’s investigative expertise led her to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office where she worked as the Special Projects Coordinator on Firearms. Laurie was a pioneer in Palm Beach County with her use of Crime Gun Intelligence to help solve violent crimes while advocating tirelessly for the systems to be implemented statewide. Her groundbreaking work is recognized internationally by ATF and Interpol. Laurie was a sly and devilish prankster who wasn’t very tolerant of pranks in return. She was ALWAYS right. She loved watching the moon rise, sitting outside to enjoy beautiful, sultry Florida evenings, listening to nostalgic oldies music, watching The Price is Right, taking thousands of pictures, and the smell of night-blooming jasmine and lilac. Laurie is survived by Bob, her husband of nearly 41 years, her daughter Lacey, and her son Jeffrey (Hali) and her two precious and cherished granddaughters Finley and Ryli; “Aunt Laurie” is also survived by her many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great- nephews who loved her like a second mother.

A celebration of life event will be held on Sunday, December 11th, 2022 from 12-5pm at the PBA Banquet Hall, 2100 N. Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach Florida 33409. Please bring your stories and smiles. In lieu of flowers, Laurie’s family requests that donations be made in her to name to one of the following Victim Advocate Groups: Mothers Against Murderers Assoc. of WPB and Parents of Murdered Children.

Posted online on November 04, 2022

Published in The Palm Beach Post

Service Information

Celebration of Life

PBA Banquet Hall
December 11, 2022 at 12:00 P

https://www.palmbeachpost.com/obituaries/pwpb0345835



 
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07/29/23 08:58 AM #1    

William Winkle (1969)

Oh God Laurie I'm gonna miss you.  If it wasn't for you I would probably be residing as an inmate by now or most likely dead.   I am sorry I missed your celebration of life.  I was minding my grandchildren in Texas.

I have many fond memories of you.  I'll never forget the night we picked up your mom after work and were heading home when she threw a drink glass at the bikers at the Blood Duck.  I thought that old corvair was gonna blow as we managed to loose them in North Palm.  We shared parents that had drinking problems.  Maybe our shared problems lead to our friendship.  I was headed down the road to drug addiction and a life of crime when you pulled me back.  I will be forever greatful.   Sleep well my friend.  God has a good one in you.

Bill


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