Laurie A. Burd Harper 1964-2023

Laurie was born Dec. 27, 1964, in Latrobe, Pa., the fourth child of Roy John and Janet Audrey Burd, who both preceded Laurie in death. Laurie, along with the rest of the Burd family, made her way to Ohio when her father took a job with the newly opened General Motors plant in Lordstown.

Growing up in Newton Falls, Laurie established herself as quite the athlete, excelling in multiple sports including softball, basketball, volleyball and bowling. In fact, Laurie continued her softball career up until a few short years ago. Laurie continued her interest in sports well beyond high school, as she was a huge fan of all Ohio sports teams, including the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns and The Ohio State Buckeyes. Laurie graduated from Newton Falls High School in 1983.

Laurie attended Kent State University briefly after high school and held a few jobs before she decided to continue the fine tradition of military service within the Burd family when she enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1991. Laurie had a distinguished career in the National Guard as a military police officer, obtaining the rank of sergeant and earning an honorable discharge in 1999.

In 1992, Laurie utilized her military experience to further her career in corrections. From 1992 until 2000, Laurie worked at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville, where she became commander of the ORW Women’s Boot Camp. In 2000, she transferred closer to home when she took a position with the Ohio State Penitentiary in Hubbard, becoming a captain in 2010, where she worked until her retirement in 2022.

Cherished memories of Laurie will be carried on by her daughter, Erin; and son, Seth, both of Youngstown; her sister, Vicki Dugan (Ron) of Boardman; her brothers, Tom of Warren, Roy (Betti), of Austintown and Joe (Mary Westphal) of Sun City, Arizona. Laurie will also be greatly missed by her nieces and nephews, Rachel (Matt), Tiffany, Lindsey, John (Whitney), Avril, Violet, Tavish and Everett; along with a number of great-nieces and great-nephews.

The Burd and Harper families would like to give a special thanks to the Hospice of Mahoning Valley and Expanded Health at Home Care for their invaluable help in making Laurie comfortable during this difficult time.

Calling hours for Laurie will be held noon to 3 p.m., and 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at the Borowski Memorial Home in Newton Falls, 30 Ridge Rd., Newton Falls, OH 44444; and also 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Boardman, 7345 Westview Dr., Boardman, OH 44512, with funeral services to follow at 11 a.m., with the Very Reverend Monsignor John Zuraw as celebrant.

Burial will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Newton Falls Veterans Honor Guard.

Please visit www.borowskimemorialhome.com to send condolences to the family.

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