Laura Noel McDonald

September 21, 1962 - January 2, 2018
Laura Noel McDonald

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Laura Noel McDonald, 55, of Williamsburg, passed away on January 2, 2018. Laura was born on September 21, 1962 in Seoul, Republic of Korea to Edgar and Jeanne Noel. She was a graduate of Stuart Hall School in Staunton, VA and Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Va. Laura had a devotion to history and a love for the musical “1776”. It was this love of history that brought her to what would become her lifetime work as a Historical Interpreter with Colonial Williamsburg where she spent 32 years educating guests and school children of all ages. Laura had a special love for books, both reading and hunting them down in bookstores. She enjoyed reading upon most subjects, especially historical works on Queen Elizabeth the First of England, with whom she was an expert. Laura is survived by her husband James J. McDonald of Williamsburg, VA; her parents Edgar Estes Noel and Jeanne Thompson Noel of Newport News, VA; Brother William E. Noel and his wife Michele Noel of Fredericksburg, VA (Nieces Caroline Noel, Tara Noel, and nephew Caleb Noel); Brother Norbourn W. Noel and his wife Kim Noel of Sarasota, Fl (Nieces Samantha Noel and Kate Noel);  Brother-in-Law William F. McDonald of Jersey City, NJ ( Nephews Sean McDonald and Ryan McDonald of North Arlington, NJ). The family will receive family and friends at a Memorial Service on Saturday, January 13, 2018 beginning at 6:00pm at Bucktrout Funeral Home, Williamsburg, Va. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Laura’s name to the Williamsburg Hospice House, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188.


Service

Saturday, January 13, 2018
6:00 PM

Bucktrout Funeral Home - Directions
4124 Ironbound Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-229-3822

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  • January 11, 2018
    Teresa Ponziani says:
    Laura was one of my first friends when I started at CW many years ago. She will always live in the hearts of all who knew her. She loved history and she loved people. She truly exemplified grace and professionalism. My deepest condolences go out to Jim, her parents and family. God bless.

  • February 17, 2018
    Suzanne Baker Starbuck says:
    My dearest Laura, you have always been such a bright and humorous person to be around. I know my mother loved working with you at CW. She always said that “I am working With Laura today’s a good day”. I know how much she loved giving you little gifts with your maiden name on them thru the years. I always loved being around you too. I will miss you but at least I know you and mom and so many of the CW crew are now wearing pith helmets and haunting guests at the Raleigh! I know you left too soon. May your family find peace in the comfort of our Lord. My sincere sympathy to you all at this time.

  • January 15, 2018
    Harriott Lomax says:
    Jim, I was quite saddened to learn of Laura's passing. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. I first came to know and love her and her sense of humor when we worked Lanthorn Tours, Know that my prayers are with you Harriott

  • January 14, 2018
    Karen Watson (Smith) says:
    Jim, I am sorry for your loss. I enjoyed seeing Laura at work she was always put a smile on my face and had a great sense of humor. Very knowledgeable and kind lady. I am a better person having known her. She will be missed. Prayers for you, family and friends!

  • January 13, 2018
    Arleen Donikowski says:
    Dear Jim, I was so grieved to hear of Laura's passing, but it cannot compare to what you must be feeling because I know how devoted you two were to each other and how you protected her during her darkest times. I know how much she will be missed by so many. I always felt she was one of the most elegant, intelligent, compassionate and "fun" people I had ever met at CW while I was there. The void she leaves behind in many lives is truly great. I will pray for her and all of your family.