Laura Daniels Obituary

Laura Daniels JOHNS ISLAND - Laura Maye Daniels died November 8, 2012 at the Medical University of South Carolina. Laura was born in Chicago on February 23, 1925 to Robert E. Daniels, Sr. and Laura M. Daniels. She was an accomplished musician, learning to play the saxophone and clarinet at an early age and performing professionally in her teens. At 19 she joined the Sharon Rogers All Girl Orchestra during WWII and toured playing Big Band Music throughout the USA (including 2 months in Charleston at the Windmill Club). The USO was so impressed with the group that they were enlisted to entertain the troops in the Pacific Theater on the circuit that included Bob Hope and Danny Kaye. She also visited the hospitals where GIs were recovering. The band survived a plane ditching into the Sea of Japan in January, 1946 in which all people on board were saved. Her visit to Hiroshima soon after the atomic bombing affected her so much that she vowed to do what she could to ensure that it would never happen again. Laura was instrumental in forming a Peace Coalition with her church and marched on Washington to protest the Vietnam War. Laura was also a Lab Technician at G.D. Searle and later a chemistry teacher at Ferry Hall and New Trier High School in suburban Chicago. Laura was an avid traveler, both here and in Europe. She bicycled through France in the 50's, toured the USA in her RV with friends and later enjoyed sightseeing her way through England, India, China, Australia, Africa, the Galapagos and other countries. Laura was an avid photographer that captured many pictures from these travels. Laura was a staunch supporter of the First Congregational Church of Wilmette, Illinois and became a member of the Johns Island Presbyterian Church when she moved to South Carolina last year. She also made friends at the Lowcountry Senior Center, playing Bridge and Scrabble and participating in the Chorus. Laura will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Her eagerness to explore new places and meet people was contagious. Despite a debilitating stroke 6 years ago, Laura managed to attend numerous performances and she generously loved supporting the Arts and many charities. She is survived by her brother Robert Daniels, Jr. and family of Johns Island, South Carolina and a nephew, Chris Downie, and his family of Wakarusa, Indiana. She had many friends throughout the country and was a spark plug that organized annual reunions of the remaining members of the band, which she referred to as her family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lowcountry Senior Center, 865 Riverland Dr. Charleston, SC 29412. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements provided by CAROLINA MEMORIAL PARK, FUNERALS AND CREMATIONS. www.carolinamemorial.com Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston