Obituary of Leah Rae Lauerman

Leah Rae (Mathews) Lauerman aka “Water Grandma” passed away unexpectedly on March 12th, 2015. Leah was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and surrogate mother to all. She was the most caring person anyone ever met. After raising two beautiful daughters in Grisdale, WA she and Steve made their permanent residence on Mason Lake. Leah would often make feasts for any given event. It didn’t matter whether there were 5 or 100 people, Leah would cook for 100 (just in case more showed up). All will sorely miss her mastery of cooking. Born on September 6, 1947 in Aberdeen, WA to Ralph and Bertha Mathews. Leah grew up in Montesano, WA where she graduated from Montesano High. In 1966, Leah married her high school sweetheart Steve Lauerman. Soon after Leah and Steve started their family when daughter Lisa (Lauerman) McDougall was born. In 1967 Leah and Steve moved to the logging company town of Camp Grisdale, WA. Leah worked as a chef for the loggers at camp. Leah loved Camp Grisdale. Often saying, “I would have loved to stay in Grisdale my whole life”. She learned how to “deal” with the loggers in her own special way while honing her craft of sarcasm. In 1971, Leah gave birth to daughter Laurie. Twelve years later, Camp Grisdale dissolved. Leah and Steve moved the family to their lake home outside of Shelton, WA. In December 1988, a delightful moment took place. Daughter Lisa gave birth to Leah’s first grandson, Derek. In August 1991 the second of Leah’s grandsons, Dylan, was born. Leah had a special place in her heart for her grandsons. She loved it when the boys would come to the lake and spend the day, weekend or week. She would do anything for them and them anything for her. A real, true love. Let’s just face it. If Leah really loved you, you might feel like you were verbally assaulted. Leah was so funny in that way. Leah really loved Christmas…probably more so than any other time of year. The music (started in September, sigh) lights, presents, food, snow, happiness and especially the family gathering. Leah wanted the holiday to be special for everyone. Leah would often plan and execute the entire thing. She was especially happy when the entire family was present. From Leah’s beautiful penmanship to her wonderful cooking to Leah’s special way of letting people know she liked you… Leah will be most missed. We love you Leah Rae, you are one of a kind. Leah is survived by husband Steven Lauerman of Mason Lake, Daughters Lisa (Kevin) McDougall of Montesano, and Laurie Lauerman (Jeffery Gregg) of Tacoma, Grandsons Derek (Trisha) McDougall and Dylan McDougall. Her beloved parents Ralph and Bertha, siblings Beverly Mathews Stull, Jesse Mathews, Sharon Mathews and Ralph Mathews, preceded Leah in death. A memorial will be held celebrating Leah’s life on Thursday March 19th at 1pm at Lake Limerick Country Club 790 EAST SAINT ANDREWS DRIVE SHELTON, WA 98584 (http://www.lakelimerick.com/Facilities/great_hall.html).