Welcome to The Friends of Laurie website. Please join us on Friday, September 23rd at the Black Swan Country Club, 7:30AM Shot Gun start
Laurie's Story
Laurie (Zawatsky) Proia was an active and cheerful 31-year-old woman who was full of life. In January 2000, she married the love of her life and best friend, Tom. Laurie and Tom were both born and rasied in Billerica, MA, but their love of the outdoors brought them to Montville, ME where they bought their dream home. There they were only steps away from the many activities they loved—hiking, snowmobiling, boating, and fishing to name just a few. They made frequent trips back to Billerica to visit with family and friends. In June 2003, Laurie and Tom were blessed with the birth of their beautiful daughter, Alyssa.
Laurie was not only an amazing mother, she was also a loving daughter, a devoted wife, a kind and caring sister, and a proud and fun auntie. She took pride in being a wonderful daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, niece, and goddaughter—she was a dear friend to so many of us. Always the life of the party, she had “that laugh” which made her stand out in a crowd. She was truly an amazing person.
Sadly, on September 3, 2008, we lost Laurie unexpectedly. Each and every day we’re constantly reminded that she is no longer here with us to talk to or joke around with, to lean on, to hug or to hold closely.
Our family struggles to find the strength to get through each day, and some days are better than others. There isn’t a day that passes that we don’t reflect back to wonderful memories of Laurie. We find ourselves contemplating life’s larger issues more often, and we’re at the point now where we want to turn our heartache into something that will have a positive effect on others—just as Laurie would want us to.
Though Laurie will be watching us from afar on September 23, she will be close to each and every one of us in our hearts. She’ll be looking down at us, smiling and laughing that special laugh—and we’ll all feel happy and proud because this wonderful event and the goodness that is sure to come of it wouldn’t exist without her. 
Laurie was a stay-at-home mom. She and Alyssa spent their days together reading, having play dates with friends, playing endless games, and having those special, silly moments where they would dance together as if no one was watching. Alyssa’s outgoing personality and beautiful face are just a few of the incredible qualities she received from her mom.
On September 23, 2011, we will be holding the third annual “Friends of Laurie Charity Golf Tournament” at Black Swan Country Club in Georgetown, MA. We would like to cordially invite you to be a part of this day. Proceeds of this tournament will be divided among three charitable organizations: Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Massachusetts and Rhode Island; Camp Sunshine of Casco, Maine; and a Billerica Memorial High School Scholarship Fund.
Laurie was notably “Laurie” when she was at the center of a good time and the goal of this event is to keep that spirit alive: To bring together all of Laurie’s family and friends in one place, every year. To do something good for others, and to have fun doing it. To do our part to help make the world a better place.
