Laurette Wender Vaughan, age 89

      Laurette Wender Vaughan died June 5 from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Her three daughters were at her side. Laurette was born in Oak Hill, W. Va. on November 13, 1923 to William H. Wender and Theresa C. Madison Wender.

      Laurette worked as a speech pathologist after earning her master’s degree from the University of Tennessee in 1971. Her true passion was acting and she belonged to numerous little theater groups. She acted in or directed over 30 plays with her last performance at age 82. She was a volunteer leadership trainer for AARP, traveling the world conducting workshops. Laurette was an avid reader and an advocate of equality among races and world peace. She loved learning, story-telling, traveling and keeping physically fit and strong. She began working out at a gym in her mid-80’s and was still lifting weights at age 88. Laurette was a member of the Congregation Sha’arey Israel of Macon, Ga., having converted to Judaism and learning Hebrew in her 80s.

      Laurette was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 67 years, Robert E. Vaughan; granddaughter, Lisa Vaughan; and brothers, William, Neil and Raymond Wender.

      She will be forever loved and missed by her son, Robert E. Vaughan, Jr. (Thelma), Rockwood, Tenn.; daughters, Bonnie Miller (Bob), Manchester, Tenn.; Dina Vaughan (Stan), Bainbridge Is., Wash.; and Wendy Wheeler (David), Chattanooga, Tenn.; nine grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. Laurette’s motto was “I must laugh and dance and sing.” L’Chaim, Mom.