Laura Marie Coy Spaulding passed away at Sarasota Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at the age of 56. A wonderful sister, a faithful friend, and a talented musician, she is survived by her three brothers, David Coy (Valrico, FL), Brian Coy (Huntington, IN), and Paul Coy (Jacksonville, FL); her former husband, Randall Spaulding (Boulder, CO), precious nieces and nephews, and many grateful friends and colleagues. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Peggy Coy, and a dearly loved infant son, Connor Loren Spaulding.
Laura was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on October 26, 1965. After spending a few months with her foster mom, Ruth Wigman, she became the first child of Vernon and Peggy Coy. She cherished and excelled at music from an early age, developing high proficiency in piano, flute, vocal performance, and choral conducting. Laura graduated with high honors from Huntington North High School, earned her BA in Music Performance from Ball State University in 1987, and her Masters in Choral Conducting from the University of South Florida.
She met Randall Spaulding at Ball State and they were married on June 11, 1988. Together, they taught and served in music, education, and church ministry. After teaching for three years in Lancaster, Pennsylvania they served in musical and ministerial capacities at Bahia Vista Mennonite Church, and later at Covenant Mennonite Church, both in Sarasota, FL. In addition, Laura was Vocal, Choral, and Music History instructor at Booker High School and at the State College of Florida, all while maintaining a private vocal and piano studio and participating in professional performance groups.
Laura was a loving teacher to all her students, and she stayed in touch with many of them, providing support and encouragement as they pursued their dreams. Her dear “fur babies” were given the ultimate care and never forgotten. Laura is remembered by family and friends for her angelic voice, passion for excellence, extensive knowledge, compassion for those in need, and her love of a well-told joke.
A memorial service will be held at Covenant Mennonite Fellowship, 5420 Ashton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233 at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2022. Memorial donations may be made in her honor to the SCF (State College of Florida) Foundation, attention: Music Student Need.