Laura Marie Gilbert

“I know you will wonder if you did anything to make me feel like this – you DID NOT. You are perfect and I am so lucky to have friends and family who love me”           -Laura Gilbert (December 2023)

Laura Marie Gilbert, born October 19, 1978, of Walbridge, OH lost her long-waged war against depression on December 13, 2023 at the age of 45.

From a young age it was apparent that Laura would have a career working with children. What started as doting on her dolls transformed to babysitting in her youth, then completing a degree in Early Childhood Education at Owens Community College and eventually led her to her toughest, albeit most-rewarding, careers: foster parent and then soon after “mom”. Watching Laura blossom as a mother was awe-inspiring; even as a little girl she was protective of those that could not fight for themselves and that quality grew exponentially when it came to her children. She took pride in educating herself and those around her about trauma-informed care, creating safe spaces, anti-racisim, the importance of respecting gender and sexual identities, understanding addiction and so much more. She was quick to love, and slow to judge. Laura had a knack for turning the most mundane days into incredible experiences. Have you ever come home to a party complete with streamers and a cake for no reason? Or had the pleasure of attending her annual “messy day”? A mention of a hard day in passing and the next thing you knew she was at your door with a hug and cupcakes.

Laura was preceded in death by her grandparents, Donna Carsten, Victor Carsten, Judith Carsten, Jane Gilbert and Roy Gilbert. She is survived by her sons, the loves of her life and absolute pride and joy, Jacob Corrado and Mekhi Gilbert; her platonic lifemate and best friend, Jordan Zechman; her parents, William and Vicki Gilbert; her brother, William Gilbert; sister-in-law, Debbie Gilbert; her favorite seester/best friend, Lisa Gilbert (aka “Snotface”); her favorite brother-in-law, Curtis Freimark; youngest sister, Jakki Carsten (Gilbert); her nephews, Lucas Gilbert, C.J. Freimark, Lennon Freimark and her niece, Lydia Freimark.

A memorial service will be held in her honor after the holidays, date and location to be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers a fund has been set up to assist in the care of her children: https://gofund.me/66090d9b

For those needing additional support during this time Spring Green (a non-profit educational center that Laura loved and utilized) offers a bi-weekly bereavement group called AFTER: https://www.facebook.com/AFTER-104446428423938.

To all those suffering with mental health issues know you are loved, help is available: call 988 or text 741741 to speak with someone today.