I knew Lara from babyhood - a beautiful, placid, smiling little girl. Beverly, my dearest friend, brought her to my speech and drama studio, when at the age of four she was timid and shy to speak. Our time together, which spanned 13 special years, bonded her to me and further cemented my closeness with the family and life-long friendship with her parents.
The shy, tongue-tied four -year old developed into a confident, expressive, beautifully serene communicator with presence and a well- modulated voice. Her sensitivity and insight, empathy and warmth would in time, soothe and support her clients and her empowering manner would encourage, nurture and comfort so many.
At the age of 17, when discussing their futures, Lara emphatically told her peers that she wanted to be “a mother”. What a warm, loving parent she became instilling the lives of her beautiful children with her values, “chesed”, and inner strength, guiding her beautiful children to become the mature, articulate young adults they have become.
Lara was so much more than a mother. Her wonderful qualities, principles, skills and community spirit were channeled into a worthwhile professional life. Her devotion to her parents and support to Beverley in her bereavement was a constant. Lara’s dignity, courage and bravery in dealing with her cruel illness was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Her loss is devastatingly sad. The sweetest, dearest most loving and caring wife, mother, daughter, sister, respected friend and mentor to so many. I loved her and admired her greatly.