Laura Marie Poresky
September 15, 2020
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Service Details
Laura M. Poresky, supervisor of period clothing at Living History Farms, passed away from abdominal cancer on September 15, 2020, at her home in Des Moines, attended by her mother and her sister. She was born in Ithaca, NY on April 7, 1972, the daughter of Robert and Barbara Poresky, and came to Manhattan, KS at the age of 4 months when her father joined the faculty at Kansas State University.
Laura started her costume career in high school with the Society for Creative Anachronism which enjoys renaissance style activities. She graduated from Coe College and was a Theater Major. Laura received her Master’s Degree in Textiles and Clothing from Iowa State University. She worked at Old Cow Town in Wichita, Kansas for several years before moving to Des Moines. Laura started working at Living History Farms in 2002. She was responsible for all the costuming for interpreters. She made sure the interpreters wore period appropriate clothing and sewed most of it herself. Visitors to Living History Farms can see her work as they talk to the interpreters at the 1850 Farm, the 1870’s Village and the 1900 Farm. She worked until the time she went in to the hospital. Laura says, “If you saw a woman in long skirts on a yellow bicycle riding around Des Moines, that was me.”
Laura participated in the Drake University Community Choir, ushered at Hoyt Sherman and spent time volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. She was involved with MOMCC (Midwest Open Air Museums Coordinating Council), ALFHAM (Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums), the Des Moines Area Barn and Contra Dance, and attended the Chrononaut Cotillion which included the Brass Gears Adventures Society and the Des Moines Science Fiction Society.
Laura is survived by her mother, Barbara Poresky; sister, Pamela Baker; her two cats, Gatsby and Lilly; uncles, Brian (Kathy) Keebaugh, Gregory (Becky) Keebaugh, Richard Poresky and Donald Poresky; cousins, Zachary Keebaugh, Amanda (Petra) Steinke, Rachel (Michael) Windsparger and Timothy Keebaugh. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Poresky; her grandparents; and her first cat, LadyCat.
Cremation will occur with scattering to take place at Glendale Cemetery. Any memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Living History Farms in loving memory of Laura.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Howard Buck
09/23/2020
My deepest condolences for you, Bobbie and Pam, and for all friends and loved ones.
Laura was taken far too early in life, yet seems to have lived hers well and left her own, unique mark on the world.
So glad(!!) to have visited Laura, and her beloved LadyCat, I believe, in Des Moines some years ago.
Aimee Beckmann-Collier
09/22/2020
Barbara and Pam,
I conducted the Drake University/Community Chorus for 30 years, retiring in spring 2019, so I was privileged to work with Laura on a weekly basis. Besides being a fine singer and a well-prepared musician, she provided insightful comments in our discussions about music, texts, and contexts and her heartfelt dedication to DUCC and to communal music-making were an inspiration to me. I also appreciated our lively one-on-one conversations before and after rehearsals and was grateful for her willingness to do whatever was needed, such as setting up risers, gathering information forms, or any of the "scut work" that was so important in guaranteeing the successful functioning of the ensemble. People reveal a great deal about themselves in a choral setting and what I learned about Laura is that she was a woman of intelligence, perception, wisdom, and grace. Please know that Laura was a blessing in my life and in the lives of those who were privileged to know her through the Drake University/Community Chorus. I will not forget her. Know that you are in my thoughts as you grieve.
Kathy Safris
09/22/2020
I drove Laura to her chemo sessions and there was never a word about any discomfort or frustration. Having been through the process myself I know there was plenty she could have said. I treasured the time we shared at the hospital and then the little time in the car after Covid prevented me from staying with her. Laura was so talented and so willing to share her knowledge with anyone. I will miss her gentle presence in my life and I know her mom and sister will miss her as well. Peace Barbara and Pamela.
Colette Wellman
09/21/2020
No words can describe how I felt upon learning that Laura was gone. She was an amazing friend and a beautiful woman, and I treasure the time I had with her, both as a co-worker at Old Cowtown Museum, and also as a friend to share good times. Additionally, she was a beautiful bridesmaid in my wedding, and I will never forget her loving and gentle presence in my life. May God bless you, Barbara and Pam, and I pray that He carries you forward.
Nicole Bergman
09/21/2020
It was my privilege to work with and learn from Laura in the millinery shop. She was so knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. She will be greatly missed.
Rebecca Bayreuther Donohue
09/21/2020
It was always a pleasure to converse with Laura, a quietly sparkling soul with tremendous skills & a true passion for learning and teaching history. I met her through ALHFAM and stayed in touch as a fellow living history museum costumer who works in the 1870s. My heart goes out to her family & her museum family.
sharon dierking
09/21/2020
Barbara: I am sorry beyond words at the loss of your beautiful daughter, Laura. How wonderful that she shared your passion for history.Her years were too few but clearly well lived. I am keeping you and Pamela in prayers.
Tim McGill
09/20/2020
I was shocked to find this. My heartfelt condolences to family and friends. What a brilliant and sensitive soul! I worked with Laura at Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita. She took her work seriously but had a special sense of humor. We have lost a very irreplaceable person who shared her knowledge and skills with us but especially shared her heart and presence.
David E. Strope
09/20/2020
So sorry for your loss. All of her DUCC friends grieve with you. We will greatly miss her friendship and encouragement.
Georgia Weddle
09/20/2020
Please accept condolences to Laura's family. She gave our group a most interesting program. She was so dedicated in her work. George Yates Questers and Living History Farms.
Tom Kelleher
09/19/2020
I am so very sorry to hear of Laura's passing. I knew her through ALHFAM, where she always generously shared her considerable knowledge of historic costume. She taught me a lot; she will be greatly missed. My sympathy and condolences to her family.
Katie Boardman
09/19/2020
So very saddened by hearing of Lauras passing. I knew her from
ALHFAM. What a gentle and talented person! She will be missed at the organizations gatherings. Love and light to her family, friends and colleagues from New York State and the ALHFAM Bulletin team.
Ann Harris
09/19/2020
On behalf of Ushers Ferry Historic Village in Cedar Rapids, Iowa we send our condolences on the passing of Laura.
Ann Harris
09/19/2020
I remember Laura from the ALHFAM Conference in Cedar Rapids, IA. She was so kind to help me understand a part of garment construction. I know it will be a great loss to Living History Farms. I will never forget her. Rest in peace Laura.
Ruth Haus
09/18/2020
Laura touched every person here at LHF with her handwork and expertise in period clothing. It will be impossible to replace her skilled work that literally millions of people have seen since 2002 on our interpretive staff. Most importantly, she was a phenomenal human being! We will miss her dearly.