Obituaries

Lauran E. Gilbreath

Died Dec. 13, 2015

GILLS PIER – Lauran Ethel Gilbreath, of Gills Pier, passed away Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015 at her home with loved ones at her side.

Lauran was born on March 7, 1945 in Detroit, the daughter of Harold and Ethel (Peterson) Brown.  On May 31, 1986, in Ann Arbor, she married Stephen E. Gilbreath, who survives.

Lauran was a fighter.  She battled MS for 25 years.  Not only did she battle it but she took a leadership role as chairperson of the regional chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a position that she held until her death.  She loved learning - achieving a MFA degree in Music from the University of Michigan, a Library Science degree from Wayne State, and a Master’s degree in accounting from Eastern Michigan graduating second in her class.  She loved to play music with two wind quintets in the Detroit area and was principle clarinet in two community orchestras.  She played in pit orchestras around Detroit and in her last gig she tripled on the clarinet, alto, and baritone sax for a performance of Oklahoma.  She loved to sew, swim, read, listen to music, and enjoyed Netflix.  She was an inspiration and had a strong will to live.  She had many people who cared about her.  She is at peace.  OurSoul lives on.

In addition to her loving husband of 29 years, Lauran is survived by brother, David R. Brown; sister-in-law, Susan (Lee) Lane; and brother-in-law, John S. (Karen) Gilbreath.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial celebration of Lauran’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 21311 Civic Center Dr., Southfield, MI 48076 and/or ShareCare of Leelanau, 7401 E. Duck Lake Rd., #600, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 and/or to the University of Michigan School of Music, 3003 S. State St., Suite 8000, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.

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