Laurie Beth Dennhardt

Yaya, Tita Laurie, Ninang, Munner, she went by different names to different people playing different roles dividing her time. But in each, she gave 100% of her heart. Laurie Beth Dennhardt was born in Moline, Illinois and went to Moline High School. She then moved to Phoenix with her family where she graduated from Arizona State University. She received her master’s degree at Lesley College in Boston, Massachusetts. Forever the die-hard Sun Devil supporter, she worshiped her alma mater and would never pass up an opportunity to poke fun of U of A. Together with her wife, Anna, they started Nutrition Alliance, LLC and built it into one of the largest consultancies in its field in AZ where she was Vice President of Operations. Laurie loved to travel taking her all across the US in her youth and later, around the world. She relished and absorbed the diversity of life and what it had to offer which blended with her passion for culinary flavors. You’d say it took both passions to finally fulfill an unrealized dream of starting a food truck - What the Cluck! Laurie was diagnosed with lymphoma barely a year ago. It didn’t go easy for her, but Laurie, ever the valiant warrior, fought hard for herself and for her family. It was a roller coaster ride and knowing that all things must pass, she made the bravest decision to go on hospice, to enjoy her remaining days with her loved ones; away from the pain, stress, and uncertainty of treatment, and leave on her own terms. It was in the early evening of October 28th, 2021 at 7:29 pm, the sun had just set and the temperature cooling down, an idyllic image of Phoenix at its most beautiful, that Laurie quietly passed away with her wife right by her side. Peaceful, painless and serene. She was 62 years of age. She is preceded by parents Al and Lillian Dennhardt. She is survived by her wife Anna de Jesus, son Paolo Espaldon married to Erin, grandson Ronin Espaldon, sisters Sandra Lagerblade (Russell +), Sherry Schmidt (Hank), Vicki Taradash (Tom), and Kym Whatley (Tom), with several cousins, nieces, and nephews. A Celebration of Laurie's life will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 10:00 AM at ASU Gammage Auditorium, Second Floor Promenade, 1200 South Forest Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85281. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Laurie's name may be made to ASU Foundation for the Arts, American Cancer Society, or the Arizona Small Rescue Dogs. She’s come home. Richardson Funeral Home, Tempe, Arizona is compassionately serving the Dennhardt family.

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Celebration of Life

ASU Gammage Auditorium-2nd Floor Promenade

Saturday November 20th, 2021

10:00am

1200 S Forest Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281