Laurie Ann Hepworth

Laurie Ann Hepworth, 66, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at her home in Pueblo, CO. Laurie was born on August 2, 1959, in Evanston, Illinois and spent her formative, growing years in Kenilworth, Illinois. Daughter of Richard and Ora Hepworth (née Neill), who preceded her in death. Laurie is survived by her son Nicholas Hepworth, her daughter Sarah Elizabeth Volpendesta (née Griffis), brother Andrew Hepworth (Kirsi) and close cousins ScottAllen and Steve Barber. After studying at Arizona State University, Laurie began her professional career in the accounting field. Finding limited joy and fulfillment in the “nine to five” world, she made the heartfelt decision to become a stay-at-home mother when she was blessed with the addition of her second born child and devoted herself fully into raising her family. Along the way she juggled various part-time jobs while continuing to open her home and heart to her children’s friends, many of whom found in her a steady source of support. After caring for her elderly Mother, Laurie moved from Illinois to Colorado to provide emotional support and closeness to her son during a difficult stretch of time, a testament to her lifelong commitment to family. She possessed a remarkably generous spirit, with care and compassion for the disabled, the homeless, and those written off or abandoned by society. She also had a deep love for animals, who were naturally drawn to her by her soft demeanor, rescuing many from shelters who became beloved family members. A natural peacemaker who shied away from confrontation, Laurie faced life’s ups and downs with remarkable resilience, grace and optimism. An avid reader with an impressive vocabulary, she was also an amazingly talented home cook, her kitchen was often filled with warmth and delicious aromas. Above all, Laurie had a gift for finding humor even in difficult situations, bringing levity and comfort to those around her. In an increasingly mean and crass world, where greed and bullying is generously rewarded, Laurie's quiet strength, compassion, and ability to make others feel seen and cared for will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. Laurie's final resting place will be next to her mother at the Church of the Holy Comforter Columbarium in Kenilworth, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Laurie’s honor to organizations of your choice that deal with helping those who have been forgotten, dismissed, or overlooked in this great pageantry we call life.

Laurie Ann Hepworth

August 2, 1959 - May 19, 2026