Laura S. Smith

Laura S. Smith 45, of Irwin, formerly of Bedford, died Monday, July 11, 2016, at West Penn Hospital, after a courageous 10 year battle with cancer surrounded by her family and friends.  She was born on December 2, 1970, in Bedford a daughter of the late James D. Smith and Mary Sue (Heming) Smith Durr surviving of Bedford.  She is survived by two sisters: Lisa L. Smith, of Annapolis, MD, and Ellen M. (Durr) Coleman, and husband Robert, of Bedford, two nephews: Shane and Gabriel Coleman, of Bedford; best friend Julia George and her son Bryan, of Irwin, a step-sister, Tina Dull and fiancée Dan Datesman, of Bedford, a step-brother, Paul A. Durr, wife Gina, and their children: Celeste and Sierra, of Jefferson, MO.  She was preceded in death by a nephew, Luke A. Coleman.

Laura graduted from Bedford High School in 1988 where she played basketball and participated in the band.  She was a graduate of the Altoona School of Commerce with a business degree and graduated from the University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s degree.  She worked as a buyer with several firms in the Harrisburg and Pittsburgh areas.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 10:30 a.m., at the New Stanton United Methodist Church, 612 South Center Ave., New Stanton, PA 15672, with lunch and fellowship following a 12:00 p.m.  A private burial will take place at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery.  Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford.  Those wishing may make memorial contributions in Laura’s name to: Bedford County Humane Society, 1108 Lutzville Road, Everett, PA 15537, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.  She was preceded in death by her favorite golden retriever, Annie, and is survived by Bailey, Gracie, and Jax.  Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com