Laura Genender Memorial
As many of you probably already know, MMORPG.com lost a family member last week when we got word that former Community Manager Laura Genender had passed away.
Today, we pay tribute to her in the best way that we know how: with this memorial feature. Out of respect for Laura, her family and friends, we will not be adding any additional content today.
)
When we thought about how best to pay tribute our dear friend and colleague Laura Genender we decided that we should write, as much or as little as we felt that we needed to, to tell everyone a little bit about a woman that we here at MMORPG.com were proud to call a colleague and a friend.
When you've finished reading, we would like to encourage you to spend some time in the forums, either reading some of the many posts that have already been made about Laura or posting something of your own. We know that she had interactions with many of you and would love to hear any thoughts or stories that you may have.
Jon Wood, MMORPG.com Managing Editor
The first time that I ever met Laura Genender was at my very first E3. What struck me most about her was the way that she interacted with people. Before that day, we hadn’t ever met face to face but within the span of an hour, it felt as though we had been friends for years. I remember thinking about that with surprise after all of the hooplah and excitement of E3 was over. This had never been something that I was good at, making instant friends, but as our friendship grew I came to realize that this was just a normal part of who Laura was. She had many friends in many different places. Friends of all shapes, sizes and genders that she always seemed to have time for, no matter the circumstance. It was always a tough run to track her down at shows and conventions. Between interviews and after hours, she was always tracking someone down “just to say hello” or visiting with some really close friends she hadn’t seen in ages. Thinking back on it, it’s a wonder she managed to get any work done at all, and yet she somehow always did.
It was right before that same E3 that Laura (via AIM) offered to give me dancing lessons. I’m not talking about hip-hop and the like, I’m talking about more classical dance forms. The samba is a good example (you can see a clip of her dancing on Youtube). Laura had the amazing ability to be “one of the guys” one minute and graceful and dainty the next. She’d have been mad at me for saying it that way. Gender stereotypes just weren’t her thing and she proved daily that they just don’t match up… at least where she was concerned.
As a gamer, Laura was about as hardcore as you get. She even had an old laptop that she still carried around because sometimes it would let her play EQII. She was as tough as they come and loved PvP, especially when someone underestimated her. She always took great delight in proving those people wrong and I think that she may have secretly taken pride in doing the same thing in real life. When someone underestimated her due to her size, her age or her gender, she always proved them wrong in the end.
She felt very passionately about games, and MMORPGs in particular. I think it was because they let her kick ass and be social all at the same time.
As a volunteer, Laura wrote articles and reviews for the site. Her love of, enthusiasm for and knowledge of MMORPGs was obvious, and it always showed in her writing. That, and her easy way with people, fair-handedness and experience made her an obvious choice when we were looking for a Community Manager.
Laura told me once that her job wasn’t to police the forums. She said that the job was about making a safe and comfortable place for our users to post. Handing out bans and warnings was a harder thing for her to do then you might imagine. Whenever a complaint of petition came across her desk, she took the time not only to thoroughly investigate the matter but to respond to each email personally and while everyone may not have been 100% pleased with her decisions, I can assure you that they were made with consideration for each case not just as a user , but as a gamer.
During her time at MMORPG.com, her contributions to the site were many and are still visible on the site today and will remain for some time to come. For those of you who have attended any of our Dev Chats in the past, it was Laura who really pioneered that program by not only setting up, administering and even on occasion modding the chats, but also in designing the chat bot that made the whole thing work.
Most memorably to me, on her own time and un-prompted, Laura hosted a 24 hour marathon chat during some EVE Online downtime. She hung around the whole time, chatting with other players and helping to make sure that her event was a success. It wasn’t because anyone asked her to, it was because she wanted to do it. As far as I know, she was there most of the 24 hours. I remember telling her to go and get some rest, but anyone who knew Laura knew that suggesting she do something would likely be ignored if she had her mind set on something… Another admirable trait.
Laura also paved the way for our Guild List. From day one, Laura wanted us to be more involved with guilds and she worked hard to make sure that when we launched our Guild List feature that it worked as well as she had hoped.
When Laura told us that she was moving on from her position here to join the team at CCP, there were mixed feelings. As her co-worker and Managing Editor here at MMORPG.com, I was sad to lose such a valuable member of our team. As her friend though, I was thrilled that she had the opportunity to make the move into the development side of community. It was something that she had often talked about, leaving journalism and going into development, and I am glad that she had the opportunity. Laura had a bright future in this industry, and I honestly believe that the MMORPG genre is a little bit worse for the loss of someone that I think would have made a significant contribution to the future development of our games.
I could honestly go on for a while listing her professional accomplishments, she had a lot of them in her short time with us but that isn’t the side of her that we’re all going to miss the most. Already, I know that I miss her teasing and her quick wit. I miss her smile that was always genuine. I miss her firey spirit and her kindness. Most of all though, when it comes right down to it… I really just miss my friend.
Craig McGregor, CEO MMORPG.com
I wish that I had known Laura as closely as many of my team did. I did not get to attend shows with her or even meet her in person for that matter. I did, however, have the pleasure of interacting with Laura almost daily through emails and occasionally on the telephone. She made me laugh all the time with her great sense of humor and sharp wit. Laura was a master of taking a chaotic situation and resolving it with logic, professionalism and sound judgment and joking about it at the end of the day. As her former employer, I could not honestly think of one thing that I wish she had been better at, or that I disliked about her personality or her performance. She was remarkably self-driven, organized and was filled with many great ideas and the drive to see them through. Her list of talents seemed endless and she was not afraid to venture into new things and learn new skills. You go through life only meeting or interacting with a few people like this and while my experiences with her were fewer than many others, I am thankful for the time that I got to have her on my team and for all of the great things she brought to MMORPG.com. She genuinely wanted to make our forums and community a better, useful and more fun place for the members – and I believe that she accomplished this.
With her passing, we have all lost a good friend and the entire gaming community has lost a very promising shining star. At 23 years old Laura had already accomplished more than a lot of people do by 40. I admired her drive and devotion and learned from her throughout her time here. I will miss her and I hope that she is somewhere wonderful now.
Dana Massey, Former Editor MMORPG.com (currently Managing Editor, Massive Gamer Online)
Of everyone I've met who works in video games, I can say without hesitation that it was Laura who loved them the most. Her passion was unrivaled.
She always had a smile on her face, like a kid in a candy store, even if it was the fourth time she'd attended that gaming event. Too often, those of us who write about games forget what brought us here in the first place and become jaded. She never lost touch with that spark and her enthusiasm reminded those of us who knew her just how lucky we were.
Yet, somehow, she managed to balance that love of gaming with a critical and very argumentative mind. It didn't matter the gaming topic, Laura had an opinion on it. I will miss those arguments terribly.
Laura, it was a pleasure to have known you. You were around all too briefly, but you got to live your dream in the time you were here. It won't be the same without you.
If you're interested in seeing samples of her work, below you will find a number of links to articles and interviews that Laura conducted with us here at MMORPG.com:
Tabula Rasa Beta Preview - http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/gameId/150/setView/features/loadFeature/1459
Rise of Kunark Preview - http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/2/feature/1489/from/previews
Video Interview with Acclaim - http://www.mmorpg.com/showVideo.cfm/videoId/1193
These are just a few of the contributions that Laura made to the site, and if you're interested in reading more, they're out there and plentiful :)
We also wanted to share with you an article that Laura's college posted about her and her job in the industry. It's a great read: https://www.blueridgelax.org/news/?id=2145.
Also, for those who might be interested in making a donation, Laura was a supporter of Child's Play, appropriately enough, a charity that sees video games and systems get to children's hospitals around the world: http://www.childsplaycharity.org/
* Laura's parents have requested that we ask our fine community for letters or stories about Laura. Those can be submitted directly through myself at editor@mmorpg.com and will be passed on to her family.
I have to say I'm utterly shocked. She had only just barely begun her work at CCP and was already a positive influence on the community there. I always enjoyed her work here at MMORPG.com and was looking forward to what she would accomplish at CCP.
My sincerest condolences to all her family and friends.
Never realised Laura was so young.
This is a sad, sad news for us all.
Laura rocked.
That's all I have to say.
My sincere condolences.
/thoughts and prayers
my biggest condolences
im silenced.... Godspeed Laura
She was everything in a woman I admire, ashame to see her time end so suddenly. World and time enough.. Rest in peace Laura.
I will miss you.................
What! , This saddens me greatly. Earlier this year a prankster pretended to be Laura on Myspace and earned my trust . When the Real Laura showed up , her and I turned the tables on the impersonator.
This prankster I own a debt too , for it forced me into a postive relationship with Ms. Laura and because of that relationship I am better for.
Bless her Family and friends for their great loss.
Jestor!
Best wishes to her family and friends. Let her memory live on in your thoughts and hearts.
Wow, what a terrible loss :(
R.I.P. Laura
One of the nicest people you'd have ever met.
When I heard about what had happened I was in shock. Laura was just starting out on her life and things were really looking up for her. To be so young. I am trying not to cry here. I have met many wonderful individuals in this gaming hobby of ours and Laura was a rabid about gaming as all of us here that frequent the forums of MMORPG.com. Her contribution to the genre and its growth through her articles, reviews and participation will live on. She was on her way to becoming more than just a player when she got her job with CCP as the community manager for EVE and it will be a great loss to the genre with her passing. This genre needed her and we needed her, especially us female gamers. She was a voice for us all. The one brief time I met her she was warm, friendly and very funny. I only wish I could have gotten to know her better. She will be truly missed.
Thank you Laura.
Excellent memorial piece guys, thanks for sharing a bit about the person you all knew and respected.
My dealings with her were limited and sometimes confrontational, but always I came away feeling that the matter had been handled appropriately.
She will be missed.
To pass at so young an age and such a bright future is truly tragic indeed. May her memory and influence live within the hearts of her friends and family forever.
Hopefully she's moved on to a higher drop rate server!
Rest in Peace.
R.I.P Laura you will be missed.
Rest in peace... Laura...
My prayers and condoleces are with her and her family and friends at this time of need and loss, Losing a young person is rough for the family, I had lost my brother at the age of 15, best we can do is pray for them and offer any help we can, and be supportive, i' am truly sorry for your loss, she is in a much better place now and we will all meet her again in due time.
May your spirit find rest and peace Laura.
I didn't speak to Laura much, only one time through PMs because I got my first warning. While I didn't always agree with her ways, it was obvious she was a great person and loved her job.
It's sad to see such a great person die this young. RIP Laura, you will never be forgotten.
p.s. @staff very nice memorial. It must have been very hard to write about her, especially so soon.
Laura, my friend, my co-conspirator, my debate mate, my room mate at Conferences we both attended for MMORPG. How disparate and yet how alike we were. How hard we had to work to find topics where we could passionately argue opposites in Girl Gamer issues.
You will be missed. The world has lost a jewel, the heavens have gained a star.
Rest in Peace.
I salute Laura for all she has contributed to this beloved hobby of ours, and for the patience, wit, and integrity, with which she tackled everyday problems within our community. A bright soul, Laura was and is the example of a strong intelligent, and successful young woman, that was no doubt a role model to many female gamers. Laura, even if some us have had differences with you in the past, we all love you, and you will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. They say only the good die young, well this has never been so true than in the case of one Ms. Laura Genender. Rest in peace darlin, you will always be with us in our hearts and minds.
May her sprit live on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOXAnmFIOr4
Very sorry to her family and friends for the loss.
Laura was the only CM here that I ever honestly felt like talking to past the bans and complaints. She was personable, and approachable with anything. And somehow she was able to see past the asshole I normally present to the forums, and talk to me as an equal in gaming and in general, never "looking down" at me from her staff pedestal.
We had many communications through PM, chat, and on the boards; from discussions of bannings/warnings I received ( God bless her for being able to find logic in some of my tirades ) to just good ol' banter about whatever games we were playing. Including convincing me that a daffodil-picking dwarf by the name of Sir Ladyflower Ironforge was just as viable and valid as any traditional axe-wielding dwarf.
I cannot, unfortunately, have the audacity to call her my friend as our relations never reached that personal of a level; also, I would not tarnish her image by claiming her to be friends with an ol' sourpuss such as myself without her being here and able to defend herself against such an atrocious accusation.
But honestly, I wish we had reached that level known as friendship; for there would have been no higher honor that I could think of.
May she find a golden gaming table in Heaven so that she may continue to enjoy her passion unabated.
Rest in peace, Laura.
Jon,
Very nice memorial, Jon. Being a close friend of Laura undoubtedly made the task harder on you than normal perhaps, but you pulled it off smashingly. Kudos to you.
Rest in peace Laura.
R.I.P Laura,Taken much too young..
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uyKb_zu5dOE
Rest in Peace Laura,we miss you.
R.I.P
I only spoke to her twice via email last year. It was for a position here on mmorpg. I am not always a fan of the articles written here on MMORPG but I must say, this one is very touching and nicely written.
Awch, very sorry to hear that... She looked quite young, I suppose that made the shock even bigger. She sure has written some fine previews/reviews, and it's obvious she loved her job.
RIP
Rest in peace sweet heart.
How did she died? Had health complications? No offense, but it just bothers me.
R.I.P
My condolences to her family and friends.
I remember how let down I was finding out she was leaving MMORPG to go to CCP. At the same time happy for her.
The name Taera was sorely missed on this site, and I noticed the change of forum personality after she left.
So young, she was a keystone to this community and gaming communities as a whole.
I will miss ya Taera (Laura)
On to the next great adventure Laura!!!
Do not mourn the dead but celebrate that such people have lived amongst us.
May the Heaven's welcome you and teach you about the world which is hidden from our eyes. Good luck Laura in your after-life! Cheers! You could've sticked around for a few more decades tough...
I am truelly sorry for the ones who knew you on our plane of existence.
PS : Put up a good word for us while you are up there !
Teara was awesome at putting me in my place when I'd go off on a tangent. When she'd see me getting a little excited on a thread she'd send me a quick reminder that I was taking things a little to far and it was time to pull back and grow up a tad.
Most of the time it worked, a few times it didn't.
She handed me my first temp ban ever on mmorpg.com (I'm sure I've deserved more) and I threw my little hissyfit. She just wrote: "I'm going to cut and paste what you had written and I had deleted, you tell me whether what I did was fair or not".
She was right and it burned my ass big time but what an awesome way to put it.
I wish I had gotten a chance to meet her in person, she was one of those people you really wanted a chance to get to meet and talk with. I'm sure she'll be missed by all her friends, family and anyone who's ever met her, I know I'll think on her for a very long time.
G'night Laura, you were awesome.
Best wishes to all her family.
Warm Regards,
I had several IRC conversations with this young lady while she was at mmorpg.com, she was a gem :) Always upbeat and positive.
Will miss her, a sad loss for the MMORPG community.
Truely a sad day for the MMO community. She will be missed greatly.
Condolences to family and friends.
RIP Laura..You will be forever missed!!
Hi guys,
I've been reading these responses and I know that laura would have loved to see what many of you had to say about her.
Laura's parents have requested that anyone in our community who feels like they want to should compose a short letter or story about Laura that can be sent to them through us here at MMORPG.com. You can email those to me at editor@mmorpg.com. Thanks.
R.I.P Laura
My condolences to her family, friends and everyone who loved her.
Wow, I did not see this happening...
I wish the best to her family, and I hope they know how much we'll all miss her.
Maybe the day of her passing, the boards and website could stop for that day. Make it her day permanently, I think she deserves that and I don't think it would be too much of a strain on the site.
Throught the years I'm sure I was affected by something she did in someway whether it was lurking on the forums or going through articles. I was a big Tabula Rasa fan so I'm sure I read some of her works there.
I can't help but feel somewhat amazed and a little bit ashamed. She is my age and we've probably been in the MMO community the same time and she has accomplished so much more than myself. I can't help but feel I wish I was more like her. She is a prime example of what a great mmo-er is.
GG Taera
/salute
Best wishes to her friends and family.
May God cradle you in his loving arms. You will be missed, dear Laura. My deepest condolences to your family.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTsw4g-cxgQ&feature=related
DB
R.I.P. godspeed.
Very sad news indeed...RIP
Laura was an absolutely fantastic person, not only did she have all the qualities that make an amazing person and a great friend, but she had tha ability to project those qualities onto others. When I first started as a mod here just about a year ago now, she gave me the confidence and reassurance I needed at the time.
Since then she has given me advice and guidance on all sorts of matters both proffesional and personal. She was someone who always had time for everyone, and if she wasn't available there and then she would make time to chat no matter what it was about.
I owe a lot in my life at the moment to Laura, and the most upsetting thing about it is, I never got to tell her exactly where her advice has gotten me these days. Her passing will leave a large gap in this community, as well as many others, and im sure a lot of people feel there is a small part of themsevles missing at this point.
RIP Laura, a fantastic friend, a brilliant CM and an awesome person.
I wish I would have had the privilage to have known her.
Christopher Cross - "Think of Laura"
Video at end of Lyrics
I thought this was very fitting
Every once in a while I'd see her smile
And she'd turn my day around
A girl with those eyes
Could stare through the lies
And see what your heart was saying
Think of Laura but laugh don't cry
I know she'd want it that way
When you think of Laura laugh don't cry
I know she'd want it that way
A friend of a friend
A friend to the end
That's the kind of girl she was
Taken away so young
Taken away without a warning
I know you and you're here
In every day we live
I know her and she's here
I can feel her when I sing
Hey Laura, where are you now
Are you far away from here
I don't think so
I think you're here
Taking our tears away
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYEWeBarLww
/pray that there are MMORPG in the afterlife. Bless her soul, and condolences to everyone effected, I did not know her, but such a tragic loss is sad regardless of the ties/lack of ties held with an individual. Game in peace!
From all of us at GameSHOUT, we send Laura's family our condolences, and our prayers are sent heavenward on your behalf.
Laura was a valued part of the gaming industry and a lovely person and she will be greatly missed. We hope you realize from this outpouring of love here just how loved she really was and take comfort in knowing that your precious one touched the lives of so many in such a positive way. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Sincerely,
-Mav
Capt. Maverick
Program Director, GameSHOUT Radio
I just wanted to say I had the pleasure to talk to her quite a bit when I was banned a few months back, and even when I was pissed and very upset over the whole situation, she managed to make me smile.
God bless,
Yes, I too would like to know what happened to Laura. Many of us older folks have had friends who have died in accidents, of illnesses and even, saddest of all, taken their own lives. I - and others on this board - do not ask out of any morbid curiousity but, rather, because it completes our picture of her life.
I did not know her that well but whenever I received one of those week-long bans for lobbying perhaps a bit too vociferously for the pre-CU SWG, I would appeal directly to her and she would take the time to read over the offending post. If she thought it was more in fun than in anger, she would lift the ban.
My sympathies to her family and all of her friends
Godspeed Laura, and prayers for you, your family, and your friends. Far too young...
My personal best wishes to the family and friends of Laura, you will be missed by all.
All of us old member remember when she came. It was pretty rocky, things changed, rules etc. I mean we didn't like them, but it's not like we didn't like her. I've had many talks with Laura and she was a really down-to-earth lady. You learn that when it's the job and the person, it's two diffrent sides. You do your job and you can be so much more of a loving person inside. She was a great person and I really shead a tear the day I found out. I mean, this may be a forums, but a lot of us are like a family. I care much about the members that I like as much as the members that I don't agree with, becuase death is not the answer to anything and most importanly it wasn't her time to go.
I would like to tell her family that, her leaving this world is a big tragety to all of us, including me. I don't think I can remember having such a hard momment from all the years on mmorpg.com. We will never, ever forget this. Laura and her family will always be in my prayers. God bless.
Always sad to see someone so young pass away. Sincere condolence to her family and friends.
This is very tragic. My condolences to her friends and family for their loss.
Condolences and prayers to her family and friends
Loved her interviews and enthusiasm for all things game related. Incredibly sad to see that she is gone.
Athela
Rest in peace Laura. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.
I sometimes think of this poem when I mourn my dead parents.
"Remember me when I am gone away.
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand.
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you planned:
Only remember me: you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had.
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than you should remember and be sad."
~ Christina Rossetti
The Second Day Vet
I was lucky enough to meet Laura once at GDC in February of this year. Her passion, craziness, and her ability to switch between serious conversations and insane ones at the drop of a hat made me love her.
Her dedication to the MMO world, and this community were unrivaled, and I will truly miss her.
My condolences to her family and friends.
T
Yes, I too would like to know what happened to Laura. Many of us older folks have had friends who have died in accidents, of illnesses and even, saddest of all, taken their own lives. I - and others on this board - do not ask out of any morbid curiousity but, rather, because it completes our picture of her life.
I did not know her that well but whenever I received one of those week-long bans for lobbying perhaps a bit too vociferously for the pre-CU SWG, I would appeal directly to her and she would take the time to read over the offending post. If she thought it was more in fun than in anger, she would lift the ban.
I really doubt they'll release that information, but it would be nice to know how someone so beautiful and young can die so quickly at such a young age. She was barely older than I am...
first of all i'd like to thank everyone who has taken the time to reply beforehand, i know you don't likely feel that you need to be thanked especially from a person whom you've never spoken to before(at least 99% of you). I know how much it means to laura to have all of you car so much about her. for those of you who have asked about her passing; i can offer you no answers as i had not spoken to laura in the past two or three months; that's just how things were between us there was never any conflict or problem just life being life. I can however tell the one of you who dared to say it outloud that the thought had even crossed your mind this could have been self-inflicted; that it was not...I understand all to well the path that can lead to such decisions and nobody was further from that way than laura. It's hard for me to be writing this now and i still am stuck on the idea; words aren't forming as they should be...laura was very dear to me and i've taken the time to read all of the replies left so far and they are great, the memorial is wonderful. It saddens me to know that i am so far removed from my own life that i did not hear word of this sooner.
If it were not for laura for many reasons i would not be here writing this or have much of the life i have now. The experiences afforded to me because of laura have been numerous and i have no doubt in my heart when i say i loved her very much, laura and i attended high-school together and she was one of my closest friends for many years. I would not be a gamer if it weren't for laura first introducing me to the world of text-based rp on IRC in 8th grade, she fabricated fantastical stories and lively bots for me and many others who would wander in to chat and have fun. She always made everyone who knew her smile. She was sweet and sincere, and strong and apt, viscous even when necessary. She introduced me to mmorpgs in the form of lineage, and recommended me to the panel at IMGS and brought me with her in her travels until about two years ago, when inspired by her i began seeking my bachelors in computer science, because of laura and all she has done for me and for the community on the whole i am a software developer, we almost never talked shop it was all llamas and laughter, glossed over the idea of her new job when i spoke to her on the phone last about two or three months ago(never can tell from the depths of my darkened cave)....she was angry over her broken suitcase, the handle had become defunct and she stubbornly tried to fix it while i was talking to her, she always knew how to break the tension; i had forgotten literally till just now forgotten just what a bad mood i was in until i spoke to her. nobody could ever dislike her if they gave her even a minutes worth of time to get to know her.
these are the things i could manage to say that i don't think i ever got to tell you while you were here with me in person, but now i know that forever more:
there will always be a special place in my heart, mind and soul for you Laura "llama" Genender
sincerely,
vice vice vice vice vice vice vice vice vice perverted llama
CP "kitty-chan" Wilkinson
The gaming community has truly suffered a loss with her passing. RIP Laura
My condolences.
She will be missed.
Very tragic, she was such a young women. The best thing one can do is take this as a reminder of just how precious life is and to not waste it.
RIP Laura
This site and these forums have been very good to me through the years, I never post but as a fulltime gamer it is a useful resource - and I found several games (among them, EVE) through this site. I read some of her work here, and was enthralled to see her move on to CCP, having EVE as my favourite MMO and loved Lauras work with the community.
Her life ended way too early. Tragic loss for her family and friends, and the online gaming community.
I gotta say, if Laura were here, she'd be awed that the only threads on this forum to have no trolling, flaming, back biting, or derogatory remarks are the ones in tribute to her. That says alot for her in regards to these forums, I think.
I dont usually post much on the forums anymore, usually just read the great articles. When I saw this, I was truely sad. Its hard to loose someone, whether it be a co-worker or a family/friend. Im sorry to hear about your loss. Keep in mind that the faithful following of mmorpg readers..even the naysayers are with you on this.
"Memories are never lost, even if they fade. For we will remember them, and as our memories fade they inturn will be remembered."
Very sad indeed :(.
R.I.P. Laura
Kinda makes you stop and think.. the little things I am worrying/stressing about today do they even matter?
She was/is so young.
a better place, she has gone to
She will be greatly missed she was an amazing person and a great member of our gaming world.
She danced her way into most of our hearts and we will never forget her...
She will be greatly missed, But at least we got to know her for the time that we did. Missed, but not forgotten.
I think its enough when there's not one negative comment on this thread.....that alone tells what type of person she was/is.
Laura seems to have been such a motivated person who absolutely loved gaming. It's a pity I never got to know her. May she rest in peace.
She's with God... A much better place. May her soul rest in peace and her spirit prosper in heaven.
rest in peace
I never met her but I wish that I had. Such a young age too...
I wish you the best and hope you RIP
Although I didn't have the pleasure of getting to know Laura, I can tell by reading the Memorial that she was a genuine person. It's always a tragedy when someone as young as Laura passes on, she's only as old as I am and I know I have a whole lot ahead of me still.
My condolences go to her family and friends.
"This body. This body holding me. Be my reminder here that I am not alone in
This body, this body holding me, feeling eternal
All this pain is an illusion.
Twirling round with this familiar parable.
Spinning, weaving round each new experience.
Recognize this as a holy gift and celebrate this chance to be alive and breathing.
This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality.
Embrace this moment. Remember. we are eternal.
all this pain is an illusion."
-Tool, Parabola
Best wishes to her friends and family...
Rest in peace, Laura...
and you are going to have another wondeful life soon!
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me
-Abide With Me
We often sing this when friends and family pass on. Laura, rest in peace.
/prayer
This is very sad thing to hear. Rest in peace Laura.
Sadly I only knew Taera from her short time on the Eve Online forums. It was easy to see her love and dedication to the game and the community. She took charge of her welcome post in the EVE Forums and made it her own. She displayed a rare grace and wit that I looked forward to seeing more of. I know EVE Online has lost a rising star and reading the tribute here, we have all lost someone we could respect, admire, emulate and love.
Heaven is enriched by her presence while we who remain are diminished.
May you soar among the stars you love Taera.
Rest In Peace...
R.I.P
While I did not know her, it's still a shame to hear of her death. May she rest in peace.
Ah this is just sad, I remember seeing her picture a while back and thinking what a pretty girl she was.
I am very very very deeply saddened by the loss of Laura. I knew her from almost the first week she started publishing with MMORPG.COM. I never had a "relationship" with her, professionally or gaming, but I was a fan of her work on the mmorpg scene. I do however request that MMORPG.COM find out and post WHY this happened. This request is not asked for lightly. When you leave this kind of tragedy open ended, you leave an opening for negative speculation. Already rumors are spreading to the negative. Please do not allow this to happen. Please be more forthcoming with some sort of details so that any rumors will be qwelled before going overboard. In great sorrow,
Rev. B. Cooley
It was never so upsetting to read a mmorpg newsletter. I did not know Laura but read her reviews and was happy having a woman gamer writing, shocking to see how young she was.
She will be missed greatly.
My heart and sympathy to her family and friends to lose such a treasure so soon.
Did not know her but from the looks of her photo she was taken to young :( R.I.P
She beat us all to the last lvl.
Rest In Peace...
Very sad news. Nice article, touching.
This is a tragedy. Laura was my first cousin, my first cousin that i didn't know well enough. Due to geographical challenges, etc....Laura and I never got to know each other as well as we should have. But, the little i knew of her, through the online world...and of course the few times we met at family functions, Laura was a sweet heart. A sweet, creative, eccentric gal....whose spark was too bright for this world. She died before her time, and I am very sorry for her brothers, mother and father. Jay, Jeff, Carla, and Richie....if any of you read this....I am very sorry for your loss.
Danny
R.I.P Laura
My condolences to her family, friends, and everyone who loved her.
This is sad, she was very young. What happened?
Moro no RIO DE JANEIRO . mesmo morando tão longe ,sabia que tinha a laura do outro lado do mundo . e agora tenho certasa que ela esta mais perto ainda de todos nos .obrigado LAURA por ser minha amiga .
Celso RJ
Condolences to the friends and family from the guys over at r1ft.
Such a shame... hopefully it will make those left behind cherish the time they have a bit more.
I sincerly wish send my condolences to her family and to the Staff at MMORPG for thier loss. I enjoyed the articles and reviews she had writen. She will be greatly missed.
From the Hardcore Community @ World of Pirates:
We morn the loss of a hardcore PvPr.
Our condolences go out to friends and family of Laura.
Sympathy and best wishes...
Terribly sorry to hear this sad news about Laura. I met her as Taera when she moderated an IRC dev chat some of my teammates and I participated in several months ago. She was very professional as well as delightful to work with in that often difficult environment. My humble condolences go to her family, friends, and coworkers.
"May the gods go with you, and watch over you, in all the empty places where you must walk." - old Egyptian blessing
As a member of Laura's family, I would like to thank everyone for your kind words and thoughts. Although this has been such a tragic time for the family, and quite an unexpected shock, many of you have been asking for some sort of an explanation for her passing.
While all of the details are still unclear, what we do know is that while she was at home alone, Laura became ill and called for assistance. Before they could arrive, Laura had passed away. There were no drugs or alcohol involved. At this time, this is all the information we have.
Once again, thank you for all of your kind words about Laura. As mentioned in the earlier posts, Laura's parents have asked that any one wishing to provide any short comment about Laura can e-mail to the moderators/editor. I can assure you the family appreciates all of your kind words at this time of sadness.
To Laura's Family, thank you for letting us know what happened. I can't even imagine what you are going through.
This is so sad and so sudden. I had no idea she was so young :(
I didnt really know her, but it is really sad to see such a young person gone.
I know this thread was started a little while ago, and after reading the memorial I felt that I needed to take some time away from gaming to really think about Laura and how I feel now that she is not with us any longer. I never got to really have much of a friendship with her, but we have talked a little bit either in email or chat. I admired the great knowledge and dedication she had towards gaming, I was blown away and wanted to know more. Her articles here (along with everyone else) helped me understand the world of MMORPGs and I have enjoyed my gamimg life even more since. Last time I ever said anything to her was responding to a email she sent me when I tried to apply to be a moderator, which to be honest, she was the one who gave me the inspiration to want to work for this site and someday write articles about games here because I love games and my dedication to this site only grew more because I wanted to be a part of this community even more just like her. It is just unfair that someone who was loved by many and never did anything to deserve this got taken from us. R.I.P Laura, you will be missed and loved by us all. My family and I will pray for Laura's family to help them get through this devastating time because losing someone is never easy and they need all the strength they can get while dealing with the heavy emotions they are feeling with this. It has been very hard for me to write this post...when all I want to say is that I miss you Laura and you will be thought of everyday.
I'm a new member here, and I can't speak english very well. I don't know Laura, I never read her posts, but from all member whom posted here, I do believe that Laura is a gem, having big heart and a really nice person. My sincerest condolences for all Laura's family... Iris
I have all but stopped using mmorpg.com, but I was extremley saddened by this terrible news I felt I really had to post my condolences. Maybe there's another Star up in the heavens tonight .... God's Speed Laura.
What the... That's just too unfair... I'm totally speechless, floored... And pissed off.
Off to update sig.
R.i.p
Condolances to the family i recently lost a friend and a family member
i wish you the best in your time of mourning.
Even at her young age, Laura had a special way with people - with whom she could relate better than anyone I've ever met.
There's many many things we'll miss Laura for but for me, the thing I'll miss the most is her smile.
Life is all too short. See you soon, Laura.
Even if I have to admit that I was never really aware of the work and contributions of Laura, I am deeply shocked and I want simply to express my deepest sorrow due to this sad event.
Sincerely
Schuellner
Condolences to the family.
The genre has lost a bright and rising star. Perhaps she will now shine brighter somewhere else.
I'm not good with words so I will simply say, you will be missed Laura. :(
yea, condolances to the family
I knew her and talked to her on team speak
pretty shocked she ain't with us anymore
May God welcome her with open arms.
It is a big shock for me... and everybody at MMORPG.com...
I think what she really impressed us is her enthusiasm for her friends and the industy...
I myself have a friend that died at 22 at full health while jogging , and another that died at age of 30 from stroke.
Both of them were completely healthy , and both of them died in less than hour.
I also have a friend that died of substance abuse... each of those deaths was just as sad and unexpected
Human body is such delicate mechanism. That is unfortunate truth.
One day you are here , the next you are not.
I think we all have to realize that.
Ok folks, seriously, you're losing track of what this thread is meant to be. If you want to argue about religion or possible and impossible death causes for people of a young age, or well anything else for that matter take it somewhere else.
*This is an unusual thread as it is a memorial to a lost friend. Please respect the meaning as it will be enforced more strict then usual. Thank you.*
We will miss you Laura
Does anyone have a cause of death yet?
I remember.
She's still alive in our minds ;)