Laurie Ann McAndrews (nee Peiler), 59, formerly of Forest Park, died on Feb. 11, 2018. Born on Earth Day, April 22, 1958, she generously loved not only the people in her life but cared deeply for the animals of the Earth and the environment they shared. Her concerns for others extended to a lifelong commitment to fund a cure for cancer and to supporting the children of Kidz Express. As part of her intuitive desire to make the world a better place, Laurie asked that her body be donated to science to further the medical education and research that will one day lead to a cure for cancer.
Laurie was the mother of Martin McAndrews, Matthew (Kelsi) McAndrews, and Amanda McAndrews; the sister of William Peiler, Karen (Robert) Doty and Valerie Peiler, and sister-of-the-heart to Lisa McKamy, Beverly Masuda and Doug Low; cherished daughter of Betty and the late William Peiler; proud grandmother of Avery McAndrews; aunt to Merril Doty, Claire Doty and Daniel McAndrews; and friend to so many.
She asked that, in lieu of a funeral, her life be celebrated for all the joy and love she shared with her family and friends. In keeping with her wishes, family and friends are welcome to gather at Drechsler Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St., Oak Park on Sunday, Feb. 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. to share stories and celebrate her life. Donations in lieu of flowers are requested to Brain Up (brainup.ngo), a not-for-profit that is funding brain cancer research at four Chicago-area hospitals, or to the American Cancer Society.
Finally, Laurie’s family would like to specially thank Dr. Nick, APN Jean, and the many friends who walked with Laurie as she fought so bravely. We hope the love and friendship Laurie brought to this world will be her lasting legacy.
