RENEE' MARIE ELBERT-LAUBENTHAL

Renee’ Elbert- Laubenthal, 48, lost her 9 year courageous battle to cancer on July 21, 2009, peacefully at her home, surrounded by family. Renee’ was born in Elyria on June 12, 1961 and resided in Grafton most of her life.

She is survived by her husband of 25 years, R. Thomas Laubenthal; her beloved parents: Lorne J. Jr. and Lorene (nee Gannon) of Grafton; loving Jack Russell companions: Pita Marie and Looney- Tune; Sister: Lisa (Barret) Pulver of Manhattan Beach, CA; 4 brothers: Louis J. (Colleen) Elbert of Grafton; Dr. Patrick J. Elbert of Amherst; Lorne J. III (Gwen) Elbert of Merritt Island, FL; and Joseph J. (Jenny) Elbert of Elyria; and her Grandmother: Frances Elbert (nee Maslyk) of Elyria and Nieces and Nephews: Katherine, Louis Jr., Kelly, Victoria, Matthew, Luke, Danielle, Lorne IV, Elizabeth, Alexix, Joseph J., Jr., and Benjamin Elbert; Erin, Ryan, and Lyndsey Renee’ Pulver; Amber Bollon; Matthew, Gabrielle, and Benjamin Whatmore; and Hannah, Joshua, and Emily Laubenthal; and Great Niece: Emily Helton; Father-in-law: Richard (Chris) Laubenthal of Grafton; and Mother-in- law: Judy Laubenthal of Elyria and Brother-in-law: Jeff Laubenthal of Elyria, and Sister-In-Law: Laurie (Joe) Whatmore of Grafton.

Renee’ is preceded in death by Grandparents: Lorne J. Elbert Sr., and Patrick and Thelma (Dee) Gannon; and devoted companions: Nipper, Chester, Babe, and Poochie.

Renee’ was a graduate of Elyria Catholic H.S., 1979. In 1984, she was a cum laude graduate of The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Business Administration, with the following Honoraries: Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Lambda Delta, and Beta Gamma Delta. She was also an active member of Phi Mu Sorority while attending OSU. In 1999, Renee’ was conferred an MBA, from Ashland University, with a Delta Mu Delta Business Honorary. Renee’ was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, where she served on the Finance Committee. Renee’ was employed by Hospice of the Western Reserve, and she embraced her position as the Director of Alternative Home Care.

Interior decorating was a passion of Renee’s; every detail was a reflection of her warmth and exquisite taste. Throughout her life, she was an avid traveler and treasured new experiences. Renee’ loved the arts- all venues of music as well as the theater. As an OSU alumna, she was a spirited fan of OSU football and the Marching Band. Whole-heartedly, Renee’ valued her friendships and family, and cherished sharing good meals with good company.

In 2007, Renee’ was honored to be a Special Guest Speaker for a fundraiser for Horizon of Hope (foundation to fight breast cancer). True to Renee’s nature, she faced her illness with extreme courage and fortitude. She fought the ultimate fight with the utmost dignity and grace. For all those who were lucky enough to know her, our lives have been truly enriched and blessed; Renee’ will remain in our hearts forever. “Good friends are like sound health. The value is seldom known until lost.”

The family will receive friends at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church 1033 Elm St., Grafton, Ohio 44044 on Friday July 24 from 2- 8:00 pm, where wake service will be conducted at 8pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday July 25th at 10:00am at the church (please meet at church). Reverend Father John P. Seabold, Pastor will be the celebrant.

Entombment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain where the Reverend Father Allan R. Laubenthal will conduct committal services.

The family strongly suggests Memorial Contributions to be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve Memorial Program at 300 East 185th St., Cleveland Ohio 44119 or Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Grafton Ohio, or Three Day Breast Cancer Walk Campaign-

Donations can be made to www.the3day.org- in memory of Renee’ Elbert Laubenthal (contact Lisa Elbert Pulver at sed8s@aol.com).

Funeral Arrangements are handled by Bauer- Laubenthal- Mercado Funeral Home, Elyria (440-322-4626).