Lauri Jo Garman – Columbia, Mo., formerly of Belle Vernon

Lauri Jo Garman passed away on June 27, 2024, after a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer. Lauri was born Jan. 31, 1958, daughter of Joseph (deceased) and Mary Lou Lachman. She is survived by her son, David J. Garman; and her daughter, McKenna Arnzen (husband Phillip). Lauri is also survived by her sister, Terri Fabrizio (husband Philip); brother, J. Brian Lachman (wife Julia); a niece, Rebecca Lachman; and a nephew, Alec Lachman. After graduating from Belle Vernon Area High School, Lauri attended Penn State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She also attended the University of Missouri, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Lauri settled in Columbia, Mo., where she raised her two children, owned a sheep farm for several years and worked as a training instructor at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital. She volunteered at the Columbia True/False Film Festival, an annual international nonfiction film festival. She also volunteered at the long-term care community living center at the Truman VA Hospital, visiting and sitting with veterans. Most recently, Lauri was able to achieve her dream of living and working in Europe. She resided in Vicenza, Italy, working for the Department of Defense as a training instructor at Caserma Ederle Army Base. While there she traveled to Athens and Paros, Greece, Austria for the Christmas Market, Barcelona Spain, and traveled to several places in Italy, including hiking the Dolomites and visiting Florence, Venice, Modena and Asiago. Lauri loved to read, go antique shopping, visit museums and she enjoyed her annual tradition with her children to Circus Flora in St. Louis. Per Lauri’s wishes, she will be cremated and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family will share information once finalized.