We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Laurie was born October 20, 1962, in Havre, Montana, to Dick Richardson and Gail (Acher) Richardson.
She attended schools in Chinook, Glasgow, and Havre, graduating from Chinook High School in 1980. She spent many hours of her childhood with her beloved. Grandparents Bud and Margaret Acher. Laurie's higher education schools were Rocky Mountain College and Eastern Montana College in Billings. She then transferred to the University of Montana and graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology.
Laurie's career spanned four decades working in organizations that cared for the developmentally disabled. These included Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Big Bear Resources, Opportunity Resources Inc. (ORI), Alternative Services Inc., Rise and finally again at ORI. Laurie last worked at (ORI) in Missoula.
In 1999, Laurie met Robert Jaquiss while working in Beaverton, Oregon. Upon the conclusion of their first date, Robert informed her that she could tell her friends that she had been on a blind date.
Laurie and Robert Jaquiss were wed on March 18, 2000, in Scio, Oregon.
In October of 2000, Laurie and Robert moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where Robert worked for the National Federation of the Blind.
Throughout their married life, Laurie supported Robert in his activities with the National Federation of the Blind.
In 2003 Laurie enrolled at Louisiana Technical University in Ruston to receive training in how to teach blind students how to travel using the long white cane. She graduated in 2004 with a master's degree in educational psychology.
In the fall of 2004, Laurie began taking online courses pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology.
In 2011, Laurie and Robert Returned to Baltimore where Robert again worked for the National Federation of the Blind.
In 2012, Robert and Laurie moved to Albany, Oregon, where Laurie began managing and working in a group home for the developmentally disabled. In 2017, Robert and Laurie moved to Missoula where Laurie returned to ORI. Due to the onset of chronic kidney disease in 2025, Laurie was unable to continue working.
Laurie loved people. She was an encourager to so many and was often described by others as being a light or ray of sunshine in their life.
Laurie enjoyed music, reading, visiting the beach, and sightseeing.
Laurie passed away peacefully in the early morning of August 14 at Hope Hospice Center.
In her last few days, Laurie received calls and visits from many of her friends.
Laurie is survived by her husband Robert Jaquiss and her many friends.
A celebration of life service will be held August 29 at 2:00PM at First Christian Church 2701 South Russell.
Gifts in Laurie's memory may be made to the following:
National Federation of the Blind of Montana; Please specify "youth services" on the donation form. https://nfbmt.org/donate-now
Opportunity Resources Inc. https://orimt.org
