FALLS CHURCH, VA and
HUDSON FALLS, NY
— Laurie Jean Howk (Aiken), 60, ascended to the House of the Lord on the 19th day of September 2018 at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia.
She was born in Glens Falls on April 30, 1958 to Edwin and Betty Aiken of Hudson Falls, who we know welcomed her with loving arms when she left this earth and joined them in heaven.
Laurie graduated from Hudson Falls High School, later attending Adirondack Community College where she met her husband, Paul Howk from Queensbury, and they embarked on an almost 41-year journey that literally spanned the world.
Laurie is survived by her husband Paul, their three beautiful daughters and their spouses: Jennifer Hendrex (Cordell) of North Las Vegas, NV; Justina Westhead (David) of North Las Vegas, NV; and Marissa Beauchamp (Joseph) of New Boston, MI, five grandchildren Macy and Taven Hendrex and Emelyn, Eloise, and Evan Westhead, her four siblings: Susan Pack (Greg) of Cape Coral, Florida; John Aiken (Jeriann) of West Ft Ann, Linda Murray (Ervin) of Queensbury; and Thomas Aiken (Connie) of Perkins, SC, as well as a beloved family of in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Laurie was a devoted United States Air Force wife, mother, and a true patriot. She loved to travel and traveled the world as part of the Air Force with her husband and family for a total of 36 years. She courageously battled a rare respiratory illness, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, throughout her life but took pride in never showing her disability. She truly loved spending time with her three daughters and her grandchildren at their family home on Hadlock Pond in Ft Ann, NY. Laurie’s respiratory issues took their toll and on October 1st 2005 she received a miracle in the form of a single lung transplant thanks to the generosity of a young lady named Amanda Sheffer and the skill of the Inova Fairfax Lung Transplant Team. Amanda and her selfless family became extended members of Laurie’s family throughout these last 13 years. She exhibited great faith, strength, and courage throughout her many health issues. She kept her positive attitude and always said “if you look good, you feel good”. Laurie inspired all of those around her to never give up, believe in the power of prayer, and always wear lipstick! She will be missed beyond belief by those who knew her and loved her.
Friends called on Wednesday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY.
Funeral services followed at 1 p.m. with the Reverend Jon Bly officiating.
Burial was at the Pine View Cemetery in Queensbury NY, after the services.
Many attended a gathering at the Queensbury Central Firehouse on Lafayette Street in Queensbury, at 3:30 p.m. on Wed. Sept. 26.
Contributions may be made to the Washington Regional Transplant Center at https://wrtcdev.secure.nonprofitsoapbox.com/make-a-contribution, 3190 Fairview Park Drive #700, Falls Church, VA 22042, or to Donate Life America, 701 East Byrd Street, 16th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, or to the PCD Foundation, 10137 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55420.
The greatest honor she could receive is by having individuals register to become organ donors, giving other families the second chance at life that she was given.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.carletonfuneralhome.net