Scottsdale

Laurie (Singer) Pakula, 87, of Scottsdale, AZ, passed away on December 2, 2024 at Hospice of The Valley. Laurie born 12/9/1936 in Kansas City, MO to Lawrence & Frances Singer. Laurie married on 6/9/1959 to Stephen B Pakula. Laurie had 2 children, Jeffrey Lawrence Pakula (1961) & Jennifer Lynn Gelfand (1963). Laurie was active with a large contingent of close friends.

She graduated from Southwest High in KC & attended UT in Austin. She moved to NY & graduated Finch College with a BA degree. Then she obtained a MSW from WashingtonU-St.

Louis. Following Steve’s graduation from WashU Med School, they onto Rochester, NY for his Pediatric residency & then to Minneapolis for 1 more year. They then moved to Randolph AFB in Texas for the next 2 years, where Steve had active-duty requirement. They established their roots in Saratoga, CA both professionally & personally.

Laurie decided to change into travel, rapidly developing a large clientele.

Laurie & Steve decided to retire in 2000. They traveled the world but she never gave up her passion for Bridge & quilting. In retirement she wanted to spend more time in their condo at Carmel Valley Ranch. In 2010 they moved to Carmel Valley full time where Laurie could indulge her passions & Steve could play golf. The family loved Carmel Valley & made frequent trips to visit. Eventually Steve & Laurie made the decision to sell the condo & move to Scottsdale, AZ & have lived at the Vi at Grayhawk the past 6 years; Laurie continued to pursue bridge & quilting, adding water aerobics to her daily list of activities! This allowed them the good fortune of living closer to family.

Laurie is survived by her husband, Stephen B Pakula, MD, & her 2 children, Dr. Jeffrey L Pakula of Scottsdale & Jennifer L Pakula JD of West Linn, OR, grandchildren Jackie Pakula Powell, JD of Scottsdale, Olivia Pakula, MD of Austin, TX, Ben Pakula of Scottsdale, Kylie Gelfand, MA of Los Angeles, CA, & Clayton Gelfand, JD & MBA of Scottsdale. At Laurie’s request the service will be private. Donations to The Hospice of the Valley & Alzheimer’s Foundation would be appreciated. The family would like to thank the staff of the Memory Care Unit at the Vi at Grayhawk for the care they gave to Laurie & the staff at the Hospice of the Valley.