Laurel Sturges

Laurel Sturges

June 17, 1941 - August 21, 2025

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Obituary

MADISON - Laurel C. Sturges, age 84, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at her home. She was born on June 17, 1941, in Browns Mills, N.J., the daughter of Howard and Hazel Cronk.  


Laurel grew up in Browns Mills, N.J. and went to Pemberton High School where she was the captain of the field hockey team. She was also an avid swimmer and lifeguard. After high school graduation, she went to school at Douglas College at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. Before starting a career in social services, she traveled extensively through Israel, Europe, and Central America where she enjoyed scuba diving and backpacking.


Laurel had various roles in the social services field, including at Bellevue Hospital in New York and many programs in the Madison area after she relocated here in the 1970’s. She was one of the founding members of Kids and Adults for Nuclear Disarmament. She loved to volunteer and wholeheartedly embraced Madison eastside culture. She was a regular at the Dane County Farmer’s Market on the Capital Square. In her free time, Laurel enjoyed swimming, biking, ice skating, skiing, cooking, and gardening. She also enjoyed the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, the American Players Theatre in Spring Green, and spending holidays with family and friends. She loved literature, eclectic music, making pottery, and visiting art shows and museums. Laurel was welcoming and inclusive of all cultures and beliefs. Over the many decades she was in Madison, she had several tenants from other countries that she would host in her home.


Laurel is survived by her son, Malcolm Head; granddaughter, Nilajah (Andrew) Hardin; two nieces, Joelle (Gene) Kugel and Susanne Cronk; as well as other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Hazel Cronk; father, Howard Cronk; brother, James Cronk; uncle, James Anderson; aunt, Till Anderson; cousin, Jean Blakeslee-Malpus; and close friends, Rose Marie Bertrand and Ann Chacon.


A memorial service will be held at a later date for close family and friends.


Memorials may be made to PBS Wisconsin and Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

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Laurel
AS
A Memorial Tree was planted for Laurel C Sturges
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
JM
Jeffrey Miller
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A very nice, kind person. Laurel was the grandma of my daughter's (Heidi) best friend, Nilajah. As a single dad, I was always worried about Heidi's safety. I was free from worry when Laurel was in charge. Jeffrey Miller
ER
Elena Rulseh
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As a nearby neighbor having moved here from New York City, I got to know Laurel, with whom I shared common interests, which included taking walks to Lake Monona and Yahara Place Park. My husband and I hosted a number of brunch events for neighborhood friends we got to know. Laurel always brought a delicious fresh salad! ~Elena & Zaza
EZ
Elena & Zaza
Other •
For Laurel Sturges, with whom I enjoyed many walks to the tall trees lining the path at Yahara Place Park beside Lake Monona.
JR
Jim Riordan
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Laurel was our neighbor a few houses down on Rusk Street. She and Malcom were people we always looked forward to seeing. She often times would walk by our house with her small dog and her cat. She managed keep the peace between them as she walked along. We enjoyed her sense of humor. She will be missed.

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