Laura Felicia Bry

Laura Felicia Bry, age 53, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5, 2015, at her home in Sandpoint, Idaho. Born in Concord, Massachusetts on October 8, 1961, she is the daughter of Irene (Kazokas) Bry and the late Francis Louis Bry. She is the mother of William Andrew Knipe IV and sister of Francis Louis Bry, (Qian Wang), Sagle, Idaho; Lisa Jennie Bry, Issaquah, Washington; Thomas Charles Bry (Joseph Palisano), Sagle, Idaho; and William James Bry, Montague, Massachusetts. She is the aunt of Kyle Bry, Montague, Massachusetts and niece of William Kazokas of Mesquite, Texas. She has numerous cousins residing all across the country. She was preceded in death by her father, Francis Louis Bry, Sr.; her grandparents, Charles and Felicia Bry, and William and Jennie Kazokas; her aunt, Anne Kazokas Baker, and her uncle James Kazokas. Laura graduated from Concord Academy and she attended the University of Massachusetts, Stockbridge School of Agriculture and Greenfield Community College. Laura lived in Massachusetts until she relocated to Seattle, Washington, in 1989, eventually settling in Sandpoint in 1995. She was briefly married to John Knipe. Laura maintained two small businesses in Sandpoint, functioning as an Apple computer repair technician and consultant, website provider, and mobile DJ. Laura was the proud mother of Will Knipe and devoted owner of Midnight Dancer, her sixteen year old chow. Family was of utmost importance to Laura and she was fortunate to spend her daily routine with her son and mother. Regular visits, coffees, meals and holidays were spent with her brother Frank and his wife Qian, her brother Tom and his husband Joseph, and when possible, her sister Lisa. Laura loved her family so much. Her soul sparkled, and her eyes glistened when she spoke of them. Those who knew her also knew of her mom’s tomatoes, her sister Lisa’s winning the Washington State Truck Driving Championship twice, her brother Frank’s cool and successful sound design business, The Recordist, as well as his wife’s family visits from China, Tom’s long partnership and then marriage to Joseph, her brother Bill’s brilliant mind and metal working creativity, Will’s future as a stand-up comedian, and what Dancer ate that day. Laura loved politics, but her greatest joy came from volunteering in her community. Laura loved Sandpoint and its people, and she dedicated much of her time to the non-profit sector. In her own words: “I have raised my son and made my living in the Sandpoint area for nearly 19 years. I have been involved in our community as a volunteer and advocate in children’s activities, technology and education, community planning, human and civil rights, and politics.” She was Former President, Bonner County Human Rights Task Force; Former President, Bonner Education and Technology Alliance; Former Chairperson Sandpoint Community GemTeam; Former Coach Sandpoint Soccer Association; Member of the Comprehensive Plan Committee; Vice President of the Foundation for Human Rights Action and Advocacy; Member of the Pride Foundation (Idaho Leadership Action Team, Scholarship Committee); Founding Steering Committee Member of the Non-Profit Leadership Council; annual volunteer at the Long Bridge Swim; former troop Secretary/Treasurer for the Boy Scouts of America; and Member of the Community Assistance League. Laura also played an active role as planner and DJ for the Sandpoint Relay for Life. Laura was the heart and soul of the Bonner County Democrats where she served as Chairperson, Bonner County Democratic Central Committee; State Committeewoman, Bonner County Democratic Central Committee; Former Member, Idaho Democratic Women’s Caucus; Democratic Committee-person, for Wrenco, Sandpoint, Humbird; and Candidate, Idaho State House of Representatives, District 1A. Laura was recognized by the Idaho Democratic State Party with the “Lone Wolf” award for showing such commitment even in the face of the great odds she endured. Without Laura’s passion and commitment, the Bonner County Democrats would not be alive and growing today. People in the community who knew Laura said, “Sandpoint is a better place because of Laura and the lives she touched.” She will be missed. She was loved by many. She walked her talk. Laura Bry changed people’s lives. Laura Bry made a difference. A celebration of her life will be held at 4 pm on July 26, 2015, at 5265 Lakeshore Drive, Sagle, Idaho. Donations and flowers can be sent to Irene Kazokas Bry, 313 Pine Street, Sandpoint, ID 83864.