Laurel Ann Bleess (Hobbs) was born in the far northeast USA, Portland, Maine. The family home was near Scarborough, Maine. Ken and Millie Hobbs and family moved to Pleasantville, New York. Both parents were teachers. Laurels upbringing was New England Baptist. The family was a model of New England Society.
Later Laurel moved to Tucson, Arizona to attend the University of Arizona, from where she earned a 4 year degree in Nursing. She graduated with acclaim and a degree as a registered nurse. From 8th Grade Laurel had a dream. She wanted to be a Psychiatric Nurse. Toward this she applied and was accepted to a 2 year program at the Karl Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas. In the 50's through the 70's this was the pinnacle of Psychiatry in the United States and probably the world. Her certificate from there was as significant as her 4 year degree. It was a resume' treasure!
Laurel was soon employed at Palo Verde Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. From her position as a Psychiatric Nurse and Lead Social Worker she helped many, many people. I have been stopped on the street by people she helped. They related how much her guidance changed their lives and how much she meant to them. She was highly regarded by patients and staff.
Leaving Palo Verde after many years Laurel moved to Hopland, California. Not directly, rather following a year long excursion to explore life and times around. Her family were richly reward by this transition. Laurel was not an ordinary woman. In Hopland she resumed her career in Psychiatric Nursing / Social work. She was studying Buddhism at the local Buddhist Monastery. She spoke well of the monastery and her teacher.
She loved to weave on a fine loom, given her by Palo Verde staff on her departure. She did not dress fancy nor hold to elaborate jewelry yet always appeared pleasant, smart and warm. She looked trustworthy and those who did were rewarded.
Sadly Laurel departed this life while visiting her daughter in Sierra Vista, Arizona, last week. She had driven down from Hopland, a visit and a road trip. After arriving and greetings, between the days, Laurel departed this life in the space of an hour. She had said her goodbyes, time ended and she is on her next great journey. The family was shocked and saddened. All shall miss her.
Laurel is survived by a son, James Cole and a daughter, Melinda and a brother, Ken Hobbs.
Godspeed, Laurel !
Later Laurel moved to Tucson, Arizona to attend the University of Arizona, from where she earned a 4 year degree in Nursing. She graduated with acclaim and a degree as a registered nurse. From 8th Grade Laurel had a dream. She wanted to be a Psychiatric Nurse. Toward this she applied and was accepted to a 2 year program at the Karl Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas. In the 50's through the 70's this was the pinnacle of Psychiatry in the United States and probably the world. Her certificate from there was as significant as her 4 year degree. It was a resume' treasure!
Laurel was soon employed at Palo Verde Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. From her position as a Psychiatric Nurse and Lead Social Worker she helped many, many people. I have been stopped on the street by people she helped. They related how much her guidance changed their lives and how much she meant to them. She was highly regarded by patients and staff.
Leaving Palo Verde after many years Laurel moved to Hopland, California. Not directly, rather following a year long excursion to explore life and times around. Her family were richly reward by this transition. Laurel was not an ordinary woman. In Hopland she resumed her career in Psychiatric Nursing / Social work. She was studying Buddhism at the local Buddhist Monastery. She spoke well of the monastery and her teacher.
She loved to weave on a fine loom, given her by Palo Verde staff on her departure. She did not dress fancy nor hold to elaborate jewelry yet always appeared pleasant, smart and warm. She looked trustworthy and those who did were rewarded.
Sadly Laurel departed this life while visiting her daughter in Sierra Vista, Arizona, last week. She had driven down from Hopland, a visit and a road trip. After arriving and greetings, between the days, Laurel departed this life in the space of an hour. She had said her goodbyes, time ended and she is on her next great journey. The family was shocked and saddened. All shall miss her.
Laurel is survived by a son, James Cole and a daughter, Melinda and a brother, Ken Hobbs.
Godspeed, Laurel !
Laurel Ann Bleess (Hobbs) was born in the far northeast USA, Portland, Maine. The family home was near Scarborough, Maine. Ken and Millie Hobbs and family moved to Pleasantville, New York. Both parents were teachers. Laurels upbringing was New England Baptist. The family was a model of New England Society.
Later Laurel moved to Tucson, Arizona to attend the University of Arizona, from where she earned a 4 year degree in Nursing. She graduated with acclaim and a degree as a registered nurse. From 8th Grade Laurel had a dream. She wanted to be a Psychiatric Nurse. Toward this she applied and was accepted to a 2 year program at the Karl Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas. In the 50's through the 70's this was the pinnacle of Psychiatry in the United States and probably the world. Her certificate from there was as significant as her 4 year degree. It was a resume' treasure!
Laurel was soon employed at Palo Verde Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. From her position as a Psychiatric Nurse and Lead Social Worker she helped many, many people. I have been stopped on the street by people she helped. They related how much her guidance changed their lives and how much she meant to them. She was highly regarded by patients and staff.
Leaving Palo Verde after many years Laurel moved to Hopland, California. Not directly, rather following a year long excursion to explore life and times around. Her family were richly reward by this transition. Laurel was not an ordinary woman. In Hopland she resumed her career in Psychiatric Nursing / Social work. She was studying Buddhism at the local Buddhist Monastery. She spoke well of the monastery and her teacher.
She loved to weave on a fine loom, given her by Palo Verde staff on her departure. She did not dress fancy nor hold to elaborate jewelry yet always appeared pleasant, smart and warm. She looked trustworthy and those who did were rewarded.
Sadly Laurel departed this life while visiting her daughter in Sierra Vista, Arizona, last week. She had driven down from Hopland, a visit and a road trip. After arriving and greetings, between the days, Laurel departed this life in the space of an hour. She had said her goodbyes, time ended and she is on her next great journey. The family was shocked and saddened. All shall miss her.
Laurel is survived by a son, James Cole and a daughter, Melinda and a brother, Ken Hobbs.
Godspeed, Laurel !
Later Laurel moved to Tucson, Arizona to attend the University of Arizona, from where she earned a 4 year degree in Nursing. She graduated with acclaim and a degree as a registered nurse. From 8th Grade Laurel had a dream. She wanted to be a Psychiatric Nurse. Toward this she applied and was accepted to a 2 year program at the Karl Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas. In the 50's through the 70's this was the pinnacle of Psychiatry in the United States and probably the world. Her certificate from there was as significant as her 4 year degree. It was a resume' treasure!
Laurel was soon employed at Palo Verde Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. From her position as a Psychiatric Nurse and Lead Social Worker she helped many, many people. I have been stopped on the street by people she helped. They related how much her guidance changed their lives and how much she meant to them. She was highly regarded by patients and staff.
Leaving Palo Verde after many years Laurel moved to Hopland, California. Not directly, rather following a year long excursion to explore life and times around. Her family were richly reward by this transition. Laurel was not an ordinary woman. In Hopland she resumed her career in Psychiatric Nursing / Social work. She was studying Buddhism at the local Buddhist Monastery. She spoke well of the monastery and her teacher.
She loved to weave on a fine loom, given her by Palo Verde staff on her departure. She did not dress fancy nor hold to elaborate jewelry yet always appeared pleasant, smart and warm. She looked trustworthy and those who did were rewarded.
Sadly Laurel departed this life while visiting her daughter in Sierra Vista, Arizona, last week. She had driven down from Hopland, a visit and a road trip. After arriving and greetings, between the days, Laurel departed this life in the space of an hour. She had said her goodbyes, time ended and she is on her next great journey. The family was shocked and saddened. All shall miss her.
Laurel is survived by a son, James Cole and a daughter, Melinda and a brother, Ken Hobbs.
Godspeed, Laurel !
Gravesite Details
Laurels ashes were spread by her family at Sanctuary Cove in the Tucson Mountains, Tucson Arizona. It is a beautiful place, very peaceful. Laurel made many trips here over the years. She loved this place and said so.
8001 N Scenic Dr, Tucson, Ar
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