Laura Helena Longfield

Where we Love is Home- Home that our feet may leave- But not our Hearts- The chain may lengthen- But it never parts Michigan was the beloved state where Laura Longfield lived throughout her long and fruitful life. But is was first her Milford then Highland residences that she called "Home". Born to Fred and Edith Donaldson, September 22, 1902, she grew and flourished on a Lone Tree Road farm where she was big sister to brothers Laurence and Elbert. Childhood piano lessons and diligent practicing provided Laura with lifetime pleasure. A 1920 Graduate of Milford High School she furthered her education at the Ypsilanti Normal school achieving her teaching certification. Laura married Henry Longfield in 1923 and during the following 16 years, brought five children to the world, John, Donald, Richard, David and Edith Kay. She raised her family during the Great Depression with hardships and struggle. Yet, her family never felt deprived in the loving home that she provided. Laura tailored clothing, canned vegetables and fruits, gardened and cooked superbly. Laura was a patriotic civil servant and served as Pianist, Organist and Choir Director at the Highland Congregational Church for many years. As a member, she was the long standing Organist of Whiting Chapter #148 of the Order of Eastern Star and Worthy Matron in 1970-71. The Monday Literary Club brought many friendships and activities outside the home to include her participation in the Well Baby Clinic. She was also a proud member of the DAR. Until age 92, Laura taught piano to countless students. Devotion to her husband, family and church was unquestionably her life. Laura traveled extensively throughout the USA, Europe and Japan. Laura saw significant world and economic changes in her lifetime from kerosene lamps to electricity, horse and buggy's to automobiles, indoor plumbing, telecommunications and space exploration. But is was her Highland home that she longed to be always. In 1997, Laura moved to assisted living, first to Milford Park Place, then in 2000 to Bortz Health Care in West Branch nearer to two of her sons. Laura was called to her Heavenly home with our Lord June 19, 2005. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, in 1967 and her son, John, in 2001. Her life and memory is cherished by John's wife Jean (Holbrook), sons Donald (Sylvia LaClare), Richard (Lois Welberry) and David (Carolyn Morey) and daughter Edith Kay (Charles Diver), 11 Grandchildren, 26 Great Grandchildren and 7 Great Great Grandchildren plus her Japanese Granddaughter, Katsue (Kenichiro Hokura) and Great Granddaughter, Chie as well as many nieces, nephews and special friends. Visitation will begin on Saturday, June 25, 2005 at the Highland Congregational Church in Highland, MI at 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery, Highland, MI. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Highland Congregational Church or the charity of your choice.