Laura Jeanne (Helak) Nordin

Laura Jeanne (Warden) Nordin, nee Helak, born May 1, 1957, in Kirksville, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home in Corrales, New Mexico, on Monday, September 4, 2023, surrounded by family. A graduate of St. Pius X High School and Niagara University, Laura was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin, friend, and colleague. By profession a teacher and longtime Albuquerque real estate agent, Laura was also an avid reader and conversationalist who loved visual and performing arts, improv comedy, gardening, horseback riding, playing bridge, and most especially spending time with family. She was a lifelong learner whose interests spanned Christian apologetics, paleontology, science fiction, British history, genealogy, languages, and early Church history, and her intellectual curiosity was contagious to those around her. She steadfastly encouraged her children, students, family, and countless others to pursue their passions. She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Joseph and Barbara Helak, and her brothers John Helak and Jeff Helak.

Laura is survived by her loving husband, Bill; daughters Jessica Warden and her husband, Teep Schlachter, and their children, Matthew, Cecilia, Gretta, Andrew, and Claire; Allison Sizemore and her husband, Luke, and their children, Liam and Charlotte; Elizabeth Taylor and her husband, Jonathan; and Elena Warden and her partner, Greg Suchocki; stepchildren Travis Nordin and his partner, Alicia Iturralde, and their children Joseph and Chris; and Meg Nordin and her partner, Cassandra Brown; and by her siblings, Dr. Joseph Helak and his wife, Buffey; Linda Schenkel and her husband, Andy; Lisa Drapeau and her partner, Kenny Pepin; Lois Brakenhoff and her husband, Peter; Leigh Schierloh; Lynn Jeffries and her husband, Scott; and James Helak; her aunt, Pat Helak; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family; her loyal dog, Amber; and her thousands of books.

A viewing will be held on Monday, September 11, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at FRENCH-Westside. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Those wishing to make donations in lieu of flowers are invited to donate in Laura's memory to World Vision, the New Mexico Cancer Foundation, or Southwest Animal Rescue Fund.