LAURA MARTIN CHARLES
August 11, 1952 to July 13, 2011
Laura Martin Charles was a native of Denver, who came to Los Angeles in 1970 as a freshman at UCLA. She married Alan Charles, then the vice chancellor in charge of fund-raising, in 1983 and became completely involved as a volunteer in UCLA fund-raising events. She especially enjoyed entertaining donors at UCLA football and basketball games. One of her life's proudest moments came when the Coach, John Wooden, came to her home for dinner.

She became a fund-raising professional herself, over the years variously serving CARE, Loyola Marymount University and the Best Friends Animal Society. She also enjoyed serving on the board of Foundation Think Again, which provides support services to children with brain cancer at area hospitals.

She leaves her husband, stepsons Gregory and wife Sang, Graham and wife Kristin, two grandchildren, Fern and Claudia, brother Rob Martin and wife Susan and two nieces, Alexis and Amelia, her family in Denver, best friend Barbara Fitzgerald and a wealth of friends who loved her for her joy and compassion. Contributions in her memory may be made to Foundation Think Again, c/o UCLA Pediatric Oncology, Los Angeles 90095, or the Best Friends Animal Society, 7680 Clybourn Av. Los Angeles 91352.