Laurie was born on August 20, 1945, to parents Lloyd Peterson and Joyce Footitt Peterson. She grew up in her beloved hometown of Carrington, North Dakota. After graduating from Carrington High School in 1963, Laurie earned a BA from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, and an MSW from the University of Minnesota.

Laurie married Edward (Mike) Berg in 1967 and the two lived in various locations for the next several years until the dissolution of the marriage. In 1973, Laurie moved to Colorado Springs where she met the love of her life, Joe Bagan. Laurie and Joe married in 1975 and settled permanently in Denver, CO.

Laurie worked in social services and administration for 32 years. She was instrumental in the creation of the Colorado Refugee Program, which she directed from 1979-2001. Laurie’s dedication to this program had a profound impact and her remarkable achievements earned several awards by the state of Colorado, the most prestigious of which was the 1992 Distinguished State Government Award for Excellence in Government.

Laurie lived a full and active life with many passions and interests, much of which she shared with Joe. Among these were golf, gardening, bridge, skiing, swimming, scuba diving, traveling, and attending live theater and symphony shows. She loved spending time with friends and family and was never happier than when she was tending to her beautiful gardens.  

Laurie was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Kathy, her brothers, Robert and Larry, and her husband, Joe. She is survived by her sister, Deborah, of New Rockford, North Dakota. Laurie also leaves behind two daughters, Linda and Jenny, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and countless friends.  

Laurie received caring support from A Little Help of Denver. Instead of flowers, donations to this organization may be made here https://alittlehelp.org/.

 

A Celebration of life will begin Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 11:30AM- 3:00PM at The Putnam House, Carrington, ND.