Laura J. Van Schooneveld, 31, passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2008 surrounded by her loving friends and family.? Born July 19, 1977 in Ocean County, New Jersey, Laura is the proud daughter of Nancy and Jack Barro.?
Visitation for Mrs. Van Schooneveld will be held on Thursday evening, November 13 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 3700 Forest Lawn Drive, Matthews, NC, 704-846-3771.? A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday in Charloltte, NC at St. Matthew Catholic Church in the Sanctuary at 1:00 p.m. with Father Patrick Cahill, Celebrant.? Friends and family are invited to gather at a mass at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Brick, NJ on Sunday, November 16 at 5:00 p.m.? Burial will take place at the cemetery at Washington Memorial Chapel Churchyard,in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania on Monday, November 17 at 11:00 a.m.?
Laura was born and raised in Toms River, NJ and as such, always had a love for the beach.?? She spent many summers working down on the Boardwalk in Point Pleasant with her friends.? Following high school, Laura attended the College of William and Mary, in Williamsburg, Virginia and graduated with a degree in History.?? It was there that she would meet her future husband.?
Following graduation, Laura got engaged on the beaches of the Outer Banks and she and Rob were married a short time later.?? She moved south to Charlotte where she worked at a local law firm and spent her free time involved in the community.?? She was active in various activities with her church and she shared her love of music by playing viola in the Charlotte Philharmonic as well as the Charlotte Civic Orchestra.?
In 2006, Laura was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer and through treatment, managed to fight her way to a clean bill of health.?? At this time, she became even more active in raising money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund, and captained the Pink Pirate team in the annual race event in Charlotte.?
Laura's true spirit showed throughout the rollercoaster of 2008.? She was elated to learn that she was pregnant with her first child.?? In the middle of her pregnancy, she learned that the cancer had returned.?? She was undeterred by the diagnosis and fought with the courage of many for the baby's best interest.?? Laura did give birth prematurely to a son and declared it the best accomplishment of her life.? Over the next three months, Laura exceeded expectations as she spent time with the baby in the hospital.?? She had such a positive attitude and would light up a room with her smiles.? To many, she became more of a friend than a patient, and not once complained about her situation. ??
In the end she did not suffer and served as an inspiration to many.? Her son will remain her legacy, and the wonderful memories that her friends and family carry on will serve as a testament to her life.? We love you monkey.?
Mrs. Van Schooneveld is survived by her husband, Rob; her son, Robbie; parents, Jack and Nancy Barro; and one sister, Jacquelyn Barro.? ?
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Laura's memory to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund, 505 East Blvd., Suite 101, Charlotte, NC 282003 (www.komencharlotte.org).??Condolences may be offered online at www.CampbellEnnisKlotzbachFuneralHome.com ?
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