Obituary of Laura Jean Gilbertson

Laura Jean Gilbertson, age 69, died Wednesday July 15, 2020 at Saint Joseph's in Tacoma where she was recovering from a heart attack. While gathering strength for needed surgery, a second heart attack took her. Mike, her husband of 45 years, was at her side.

Laura was born in Ypsilanti Michigan to Pete and Nelva Whitt in 1951. She moved with her family to California in 1954 where she lived until moving to Washington in the early 70’s. In 1974 she married Mike Gilbertson, and she, Mike, and her 2 sons, became a family of four. Two more children came along to make it a family of six.

When Laura wasn’t working as financial director for area non-profit organizations, she enjoyed fishing, woodworking, stained glass, fused glass as well as gardening and spoiling her 17 grand kids, and 7 great-grand kids. (At last count)

Laura loved her family and worked her tail off to keep everyone safe, and to provide a healthy environment. The kids all knew that mom was a soft touch if they had a boo boo but she was rock hard if they misbehaved. Laura was a force of nature and she will be much missed by all who loved her.

Laura will be remembered with love by her husband, Mike, her children, Lexy and Jeremy Larez, Anthony and Angela Gilbertson, her mother, Nelva Whitt, her brothers, Kurt, Garry and Ken Whitt and her adopted sister, Melanie Sullivan. Her grand children: Jason, Austin, Bryce, Skyler, Ethan, Roman, Lucas, Ashley, Nicholas, Mariah, Anthony, Bailey, Ivan, Jordan, Kayla, Jasmin, and Allesondra. Great grand children: Ayden, Kyla, Mason, Kaiden, Harper, Maverick, Breyland and Vivian. Also left to mourn her passing Is nephew Marcus Whitt, with whom she had become very close and many other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and many, many dear friends.

Among her loved ones preceding her in death are her father, Pete Whitt, her mother-in-law, Sandra Blokzyl, her other adopted sister, Paige Salsberry.

A viewing is to be held at Hill Funeral Home at 217 Pioneer Way E. in Puyallup on Friday July 24th between the hours of 5pm - 8 pm. During these hours people can walk through to pay their respects, and view Laura if they wish. A memorial service will be held at a later date.