In Memory of

Laura

Ann

Comini

Obituary for Laura Ann Comini

Laura Ann (Morris) Comini has passed away on February 13th at her home in The Dalles at the age of 85. Laura was born in Sparta, Illinois on June 4th, 1934 and went to school in Chester, Illinois. In 1948 she and her family moved to The Dalles, where she graduated from The Dalles High School in 1952. Laura married Jim Comini on Feb. 17th, 1955 and the two were together until his death in 2004. '

They had two children named Ron and Angela, and three grandchildren named Ben, Rebecca, and Jacob. Together, Jim and Laura owned and operated The Dalles Liquor Store from 1973 to 1997. Laura worked all her life for various companies. She was a secretary for Stadelman Fruit Co for 7 years, an automotive accountant for C.H. Urness Motors for 21 years, and did payroll for Mill Creek Orchards and George Davis Orchard for 28 years. Laura started working for the Shilo Inn in August of 1987, and after working in various positions there, was promoted to General Manager in 1993. She retired in May 2006. After that she worked and volunteered for various local organizations.

In 2006 she was hired on as temporary Executive Director for The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce. Both Laura and here husband were actively involved in local politics, and Laura was a charter member of the Mid Columbia Democratic Women. There she served as treasurer for several years, served on many committees, hosted many functions at home, and even helped set up the yearly booth at the annual Waco County Fair. Laura was also very active with the National Federation of Democratic Women and chaired several committees therein.

Recently, Laura had spent most of her time doing volunteer work for the Kiwanis, Faith Lutheran Church, and she particularly enjoyed the time she spent working for her friend Louise at Lines of Designs clothing. She received numerous awards throughout her life, including (but not limited to): Outstanding Member of the NFDW 1999; the Lawrence O'Brien Award for Outstanding Service to the Democratic Party awarded by the DNC in 1998; Outstanding Board Member for The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce in 2000 and 2002; Kiwanian of the Year in 2004 and 2019. In particular, Laura's main passion projects for the Kiwanis were the backpack program for local schoolchildren and the Challengers Baseball League, which adapts the rules and practices of traditional little league baseball to better fit the needs of children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Laura loved to travel both domestically and internationally, and she visited places like Amsterdam, Tanzania, Hawaii, Alaska, and Ireland. She was planning another trip to Germany later this year.

Laura is survived by her children and grandchildren, as well as numerous other family and friends who miss her dearly. They ask that in lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes to do so can make a donation to The Dalles Kiwanis club at P.O. Box 604. A memorial service will be held in her honor at 11:00 Friday February 21, 2020 at Faith Lutheran Church (2810 W. 10th Street The Dalles, OR 97058). A reception will follow. Interment will be private at IOOF 3 Mile Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.