If success was measured in terms of lives touched, Laura El’Asri would have wealth beyond measure since she

made it her life’s work to love and care for others. She had a deep love for people of all kinds, even opening up her Thanksgiving table to a stranger in need of a good meal or a kind gesture. Laura was a talented artist who used her gift of expression to bring joy to so many others. A woman who was blessed with two wonderful children of her own, Laura had a special place in her heart for children, putting forth an example that shaped future generations for years to come. Although those who knew and loved Laura deeply mourn her loss, they will be forever grateful for each and every precious moment they were given to share with such an extraordinary woman.

As the nation was enraptured by the sounds of “Some Enchanted Evening” and found a new window with which to see the world with the inception of cable television, the year 1949 was a year to remember in America. These were highly prosperous times with the end of WWII and a nation that was able to resume the production of basic goods that had been halted in order to support the war effort. It was in this same year that Herbert and Maria Forkenbrock were pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Laura, on November 21st. Laura

was born in Sioux City, Iowa, located along the western border of the state. She was one of

seven children in her family, which included siblings Henry, Dee, Judy, Sue, Michael,

and Herb.

As a young woman, life was forever changed for Laura when she met a certain young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Omar El’Asri and after dating for a time, they were united in marriage on March 26, 1977. Together they were blessed with two precious daughters, Elizabeth and Nadia.

Nothing could have brought Laura more joy than when

she was later blessed with six grandchildren whom she adored.

One of the main cornerstones in Laura’s life was her desire to help those in need out of a genuine love for those she knew - in addition to those she didn’t. She was known to invite strangers to have Thanksgiving dinner with her family, and she also ran a food pantry out of her home in order to provide others with the ability to feed their families. Laura loved cooking and baking, and she often shared her scrumptious foods and treats with anyone at any time. In 1980, she moved to Bourbonnais, Illinois, where she remained for the rest of her life and continued to touch the lives of others.

In so many ways, Laura impacted the community in which she lived. She was a local organizer of Hands Across America where countless participants paid for a place in a line that created the “human chain” of people who were committed to helping those in poverty. All of the proceeds went directly to charities that supported their cause. Laura was also a

commissioned artist who specialized in children’s murals. She additionally did artwork for the Kankakee County Clerk, and her drawing of the Kankakee Courthouse was used by the governor on his Christmas card. Laura worked the polls during election time, and she was the president of the Kankakee chapter of Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois.

It can be a daunting task to summarize the life of such a remarkable woman in just a few words. Mere words seem to fall short when captivating the life of someone who was so

selfless with not only her time and her resources, but simply with her heart, too. Laura El’Asri had a heart that knew no bounds and a will that never seemed to wane. She treasured her family who now carry on her strength and humility in the lives they live each and every day. Laura will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Laura A. El’Asri of Bourbonnais died on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee IL. Laura’s family includes her husband Omar El’Asri of Bourbonnais, IL., her daughters Elizabeth (Michael) Kaplar of Bourbonnais, IL., Nadia (Jim) Kerschke of Waukee, IA., her mother Maria Forkenbrock of Bourbonnais, IL., brothers and sisters; Henry (Roberta) Forkenbrock of Denver, CO., Dee (Jim) Kerouac of Manteno, IL., Judy Duggins of Kankakee, IL., Sue (Mike) Reeme of Byers, CO., Michael (Jenny) Forkenbrock of Downers Grove, IL., and Herb (Shannon Schwartz) Forkenbrock of Bourbonnais, IL.,

grandchildren Andrew, Jazmine, Jeremy, and Jacob, Kaplar of Bourbonnais, IL., Matthew and Gabby Kerschke of Waukee, IA., and many nieces and nephews. Laura was preceded in death by her father Herbert Forkenbrock. Please visit

www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to her grandchildren’s education.