Laura Jean (Gorham) Doucette

Laura Jean (Gorham) Doucette, 88, went to her heavenly home on Sunday July 3, 2022. Laura was born on January 18, 1934, to her parents Robert and Mary Elizabeth Gorham of Louisville. Preceded in death by her parents, loving husband of 49 years Ray Doucette. Survived by her children Sandra Blandford (David), Donna Brodt (Tom), Robert Doucette (Marla) and Michael Doucette (Pam); thirteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Funeral services will be Monday July 11, 2022, 11:00am Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway with burial to follow Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00-6:00pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hosparus of Louisville or Epiphany United Methodist Church 7032 Southside Drive Louisville, KY 40214. How can simple words describe or reflect a person's life? Our mother was loving, patient, sacrificial, wise in finance, and independent. She loved her family fiercely and without limits. She defended her children when we were treated unfairly but did not do so when we were in the wrong. We always knew from her tone of voice when we really should do what we were told, but we would push the boundaries, as all children are prone to do. We learned responsibility, loving others without reservation (regardless of our differences), and how a welcoming home was as important as a clean home. Mom was always Mom to all our friends. They felt loved and valued. Mom invested her love and wisdom to those around her. Her greatest joy was the years her grandchildren and great grandchildren joined her life. She cherished every moment with them. Our mother was active in PTA for most of our school years. She served as President multiple times, as well as other positions. She volunteered at the PTA Clothes Closet, played piano for her Sunday School class, helped her neighbors, assisted with the GA's (Girls Auxiliary) at church, helped with Cub Scout and Boy Scout activities, and drove her eldest daughter’s JV cheerleader squad downtown to Turners Gymnastics every week. Mom served on the Beechmont Youth Sports women's auxiliary board and volunteered at the concession stand for many years. She rarely missed any event that her four children participated in doing. She collected donations in her neighborhood for the cancer and heart organizations. Mom collected signatures from every neighbor on three streets for a petition to get these dirt and gravel streets paved. Out of high school, Mom worked for Mulligan Advertising Agency for several years until taking time away to raise her four children. In her mid-40’s, she returned to work with First National Bank until she retired. She loved working outside the home and considered her co-workers as though they were her family. After retiring, her interests expanded. She and Dad were free to travel more. They loved traveling and saw most of the continental US. Sometimes their travel included one of their children’s families. Their favorite location was Gatlinburg and The Smoky Mountains, which they visited at least once a year. As often as time allowed, Mom and Dad cherished time visiting with her cousin, Charlie Gorham and his wife, Peggy. Their relationship was more like sister/brother. They shared lots of family time and memories through the years. She loved watching the hummingbirds coming to her feeder and watching her yard transform in bright colors from the various plants and shrubs. She and Dad spent many hours competing on Nintendo games, especially Dr. Mario. Going to the casinos with Dad, Kathy Denzik, and others friends was something she always looked forward to doing. She definitely loved the slot machines. She continued playing games of slots or word puzzles on her computer when it became more difficult to go in person. Bowling was her adulthood passion. She rolled a perfect 300 game at the age of 63 and had a 297 a few years later. Dad was so proud of Moms accomplishments, that the plaques she received from bowling, were hung on the dining room wall. Mom loved playing softball, both fast-pitch and slow-pitch. She taught her daughters to love the sport and her sons to love baseball. Mom grew up roller skating, playing tennis, and basketball. She sewed and made many outfits for her children, including our prom dresses. She learned to knit and crochet, made pine cone wreaths as gifts, and many other crafty hobbies. She even made a Barbie-style camper stitched on plastic for her granddaughter one Christmas. It was quite the project! Mom enjoyed playing the piano and we enjoyed listening. Mom was a faithful believer in her Savior. She attended different churches throughout her life, with her last years as a member at Epiphany United Methodist Church. When her health declined, she faithfully watched Walnut Street Baptist services on the TV each Sunday morning. This is but a brief glimpse of a life well lived. She is loved and cherished by her family and friends. Mom’s legacy lives on through all she met.

Laura Jean (Gorham) Doucette

January 18, 1934 - July 3, 2022