Laura Budd

Laura S. Budd, social butterfly extraordinaire, died in her home on February 3, 2020, in Duluth, MN.  She was born in 1939. Laura S. Budd lived her life with a deep love for her husband, her children, grandchildren, her community, travel, and the church. She was the daughter of Frederick A. and Laura S. Stock and the wife of Frank W. Budd, M.D. (deceased).  She was her husband’s rock, and a source of inspiration and purpose for her communities. She loved people! Whether it was socializing, helping others in some sort of need, hosting or encouraging them, this made her life full. Giving back was most important to Laura. She graduated from Miamisburg High School, University Cincinnati School of Nursing, and completed her master’s in nursing from the College of St. Scholastica. Laura met Frank at the University of Cincinnati during her senior year.  They married in September 1961, shortly after she graduated.  She supported Frank during his 20+ year career in the United States Military.  Life in the military took them many places including California, Virginia, and Japan, creating a passion for travel and multi-cultural experiences. Laura began her adult life as a surgical R.N., but upon becoming a mother she devoted herself to family life. As a young military wife and mother, Laura was deeply involved her community; always chairing events and boards, teaching Sunday school, as well as teaching swimming lessons at the community pool. Laura and Frank moved to Duluth in 1973, where again she dove into community life. Duluth became their forever home.  Among Laura’s professional endeavors were Director of St. Luke’s Foundation, instructor at St. Scholastica nursing school, and political campaign manager. Her life was primarily focused on volunteer work which included DSSO board, Woodland Hills board, MN State Board of Public Defense, senior warden of St. Paul’s church, Marshall/Cathedral Board, the Kitchi Gammi Club Foundation, the Depot Foundation (where she was honored with a lifetime achievement award), and many, many other organizations. Because of her love of swimming, she was always an instructor for the red-cross swim program, taught swimming for the blind, as well as coached Special Olympics swimming. Together with Frank, they created a unique life of lake, horses and a farm (which produced hay, maple syrup, and crabapple jelly), in addition to embracing all aspects of life in northern Minnesota. Laura loved gatherings at her home—Christmas, Halloween, and 4th of July were the highlights! She never turned anyone away from her lake home. Having her children and their friends running through house and tearing up the lake gave her great joy.  She was extremely proud of her 6 grandchildren and thought the world of her 3 sons in law. They were a constant source of joy. She would do anything to support them in the things they loved and life pursuits.  Laura was preceded in death by her husband Frank W. Budd in 2011. She is survived by her 3 daughters Marianne (Louis) Zanetakos, Christine (Deke) Melone, Cynthia (Eric) Hill; her 6 grandchildren Ryan, Andrew, Elizabeth, Lauren, Parker, and Leah; and her brother Rick (Cheryl) Stock. Visitation: Friday, February 7, 5-7pm at Dougherty Funeral Home. Funeral service to be held Saturday, February 8, 11:00am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1710 E Superior St., Duluth, MN.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Woodland Hills, 4321 Allendale Ave., Duluth, MN 55803 or the Frank W. Budd Scholarship Fund Memorial Northland Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Fund, PO Box 16975, Duluth, MN  55816.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St. Duluth, MN, (218) 727-3555.