Laurel Joyanna Tower

Laurel Joyanna Tower was born on July 19, 1974 in Erie, PA to Steve Tower and Rosalie Tower (now Hanks). She had an active childhood, and did all the things a child should do - she laughed and learned and played and enjoyed her youth with her loving siblings Chris and Melissa. She was a curious kid who loved animals and nature, and frolicked and played in the way that kids in the 80s did things: outside, on roller skates, on bikes, in orchards, in the dirt. She always joyfully remembered the fun she had with her sibs, her cousins, friends, and grandparents - she especially remembered them fondly.

Laurel spent much of her life in New York, attending Nyack College, where she served in the Brooklyn Gospel Team, and also worked assisting the athletic department's sports medicine team. She developed lifelong friendships with people she met there. She loved them, and they equally loved her back.

She later made a life for herself in and around Nyack, and settled into the world of floral design, her true passion, where she THRIVED. She poured her heart into every piece (as she did with most things). As a floral designer she created brilliant, unique and artistic pieces that reflected not only her style but that of the persons for whom she made the arrangements, whether from a consultation or one of her devoted customers.

She met Juan, the love of her life at a time when they most needed each other. In the precious time spent together they enjoyed music and went to a number of concerts together - more than one U2 show. The Police at Fenway. Coldplay. The Who. They went to Marvel movies, but were never really superhero-ed out. They shared a love of Triple D, cooking shows, food and restaurants, and enjoyed supping at the different joints around town and elsewhere. Clams at Flo's. Oysters with a skoshe of scotch at S&P. Alain's Dover sole. 

Whether it's penguins at the National Aquarium or the Orchard Show at New York Botanical, she loved sharing the things she loved with Juan.

She was a daughter, a sister, a friend, and Juan's most beloved. She is survived by Juan and his father Raul who she considered family; Rosalie, her mother, Christoper and Melissa, her sibs, her father Steve, many cousins and aunts and uncles, and lifelong friends who called her sister.

We miss her warmth, her light, her kindness; her presence. 

She gave so much of herself to everyone she met, and everyone fortunate to know her was truly blessed.

She will be remembered for her big heart, her warm embrace, her kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness. Despite her own personal hardships, she was always hopeful. She will be missed for that giggle, that big, beautiful smile, the hearty laugh, and that big beautiful heart.

As much as we will miss you, we know you’re at peace. Rest, my LJ. You are free.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Laurel Joyanna Tower, please visit our floral store.