PORTSMOUTH--Laurie, 56, passed away on August 17, 2021 at the Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia. She was born at St Agnes Hospital in Baltimore on August 19, 1964. Laurie graduated from Severna Park High School in 1982, the University of Maryland at College Park in 1986 and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Virginia Hospital in 1987. She put herself through college by working summers as a lifeguard with the Atlantic City Beach Patrol, but was disappointed to be the second female lifeguard there, not the first! In May 1989 Laurie joined the United States Navy, serving until June 1993 when she was medically retired as a Lieutenant due to a chronic eye condition that led to her blindness. Although fully vaccinated, medications left her immunocompromised, resulting in her untimely death from Covid-19.

Laurie was proud of her military service at the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, after which she entered private practice as a dietitian for 16 years. She finished her career as a civil service Clinical Dietitian at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth until retirement due to her advancing eye condition.  During her private practice, she authored one book and co-authored two additional books on nutrition. Laurie was an active member of the Blinded Veterans Association and was honored as the Women's Veteran for the Month of October 2020. You may read about her distinguished career on the Blinded Veterans Association website.

Laurie enjoyed family, friends, the beach, travel, and the Baltimore Ravens. Blindness never held her back. She lived life to the fullest and traveled around the globe with her family and close girlfriends. Her home was always filled with visitors making fun memories. Until Covid hospitalized her, Laurie enjoyed live music, a glass of red wine and laughing with family and friends.

Laurie is survived by her devoted husband of 35 years Bob, son Matt and daughter Brenna; brothers Guy Germana (Deb) and Tim Germana (Rachael), brothers-in-law Mark Cutlip (Christina) and Bill Cutlip (Jackie); father-in-law Bill Cutlip; many cousins, nieces and nephews along with countless special friends. She was predeceased by her parents Guy and Marlene Germana and her mother-in-law Patricia Cutlip.

A celebration of Laurie's life will be held on October 12 ^th from 1:00 to 8:00 PM at the home of Chris & Tom Farrell, 401 Red Birch Rd, Millersville, MD 21108. Another celebration will be held on November 5 ^th from 3:00 to 6:00 PM onboard the Carrie B Showboat, Elizabeth River, Water St & High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704. Laurie will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blinded Veterans Association in Laurie's honor online at BVA.ORG or by phone (800) 669-7079. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.

Certainly, Heaven will be livelier! Don't be sad—smile, Laurie can see again! She was a spark, bringing laughter and joy to all who knew her. Laurie would tell you to enjoy life to its fullest, to tip your waiter well, to travel and to embrace the world. Raise a glass in Laurie's name. Keep her in your heart!