Laurel A. Neu

Chicago, IL, 1956-2015 Laurie, as she was known to her countless friends, loving family, and everyone she met, passed away Saturday morning. She was 59. An Oak Lawn native, she is survived by her beloved father, Anton Neu; her partner and best friend Garry Lee Wright; loving stepson Jason (Jenny) Wright; adoring daughters Amanda Neu Wright (Tarsicio) Duran and Kelsey Neu Wright; dearest sister Linda Walrath; devoted brothers Michael (Lisa) Neu, Deacon Andrew (Cindy) Neu, and Dr. Christopher (Laura) Neu; special Aunt Dianne Appelgren Dougherty, and many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews. In her passing, she is reunited with her mother, Carole Ann Neu, and "Uncle Roy" Appelgren. Laurie was known as a woman who could, and did, do it all. Her financial career began after receiving her MM (MBA) from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, where she was selected as a First Scholar by the First National Bank of Chicago. She then spent several years at The Bank of New York where she continued to nurture her career while starting a family. She eventually returned "home" to Chicago to join The Northern Trust, a company which she loved. A generous and forceful advocate, she was a former board chair and member of The Night Ministry, known throughout the city for its "Big Bus" and many shelters, which provide care for thousands of homeless youth and adults each year. She also served as Chief Operating Officer of NEWRITE, Inc., a family media company. When she wasn't focused on giving to the world, she was eager to experience it. You'd be just as likely to find her on the beach in Hawaii as you would be to find her in the backyard with a book and a glass of wine. To say that Laurie will be dearly missed is an understatement; she will be remembered not only for her special way of taking care of everyone she knew and loved, but also the grace and elegance with which she did so. She is currently resting at Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home 5570 W. 95th Street Oak Lawn, IL. Services will be held Thursday September 17th, 11am. Internment Holy Sepulchre Cemetary. Visitation Wednesday September 16th, 3 - 9pm. Donations can be made in her honor to The Night Ministry 4711 N. Ravenswood Chicago, IL.