Laura Ann Grafe passed away May 5, 2025, at the age of 39.
Laura was born Nov. 20, 1985, in Red Bank, to John and Cecile Felgendreger. The youngest of three sisters, she was deeply loved by her older siblings, Nancy and Carey.
Laura grew up in the charming town of Fair Haven, where she and her sisters walked to school each day, spent summer afternoons at the beach, swam in neighbors’ pools and played outdoors with friends.
A bright and determined student, Laura graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven High School before attending the University of Maryland. She later earned her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, pursuing her passion for neuroscience with brilliance and dedication.
Laura’s greatest joy and deepest source of pride was her family. She was a devoted and loving wife to Corey and a caring, playful and endlessly devoted mother to their two sons, Connor (8) and Liam (6). Laura poured her heart into creating a home filled with warmth, love, laughter and learning. Her family was her world, and she gave them everything she had.
Laura was also a gifted scientist and professor at Bryn Mawr College, where she made lasting contributions to the field of neuroscience. She was deeply admired for her insightful research, her commitment to advancing scientific understanding and, above all, her dedication to mentoring students. Her guidance and encouragement helped shape the next generation of scientists and her legacy will live on through the many lives she inspired.
Laura’s warmth, intelligence and vibrant spirit touched all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, colleagues, students and all whose lives she brightened.
The article originally appeared in the August 7 – 13, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
