Patricia Pond Laird

retired funeral director and owner, Laird Funeral Homes, Elgin, Illinois, died November 10, 2020, at age 91. Laird was wife of funeral director/owner Donald Laird and mother of Stephen and Robert Laird, all funeral directors of Laird Funeral Homes.

Laird, who graduated from Northern Illinois University with a major in math and minor in chemistry, was a teacher in Florida and Illinois until her marriage. She co-founded Laird Funeral Home with husband Donald in 1980 and was a licensed funeral director for more than 50 years, serving as secretary and treasurer for the family business.

A lifelong Girl Scout, Laird served as a troop leader, training leader and as president of Sybaquay Council for six years. In 1977, she received the Thanks Badge, Girl Scouting’s highest award, in recognition for outstanding service, and the Juliette Lowe Service Award. Laird, a member of the Fideliter Club, The Ladies of the Elks and Elgin Country Club, was recognized for her philanthropic work by being awarded Altrusa’s Woman of the Year Award in 1989.

She is survived by husband Donald; children Anne, Steve, Barb, Jeanne, Jim and Rob; 17 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.