Laura Jean Meley

Laura Meley, 79, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. Born on March 10, 1946, in Youngstown, Ohio, she lived a life marked by intelligence, devotion, and generosity.

Laura was raised in a Catholic household and remained deeply committed to her faith throughout her life. She attended St. Martha Elementary School in Akron, Ohio, graduating in 1960, and continued her education at St. Vincent St .Mary's High School, graduating in 1964. She attended Michigan State University on a National Merit Scholarship after getting a perfect SAT score and graduated in 1967, a testament to her intellect and determination.

That same year marked the beginning of Laura's professional career when she joined Lockheed Corporation in Sunnyvale, California as a computer programmer. Her pioneering spirit and technical acumen led her to roles at Control Data Corporation, Memorex, and National Semiconductor. Later in her career, she returned to Lockheed to collaborate with her husband on a special project in Germany, an experience that combined both her professional expertise and personal dedication. In 1998 Laura retired early from Lockheed where she was a Program Manager to care for her step grandchild, Shelby. They became very close and Laura volunteered at St. Mary's School Library where Shelby attended school. This continued through high school and the birth of Parker at Aberdeen Ave.

Laura was present at the birth of her great grandson Parker, on 6/9/2011. She helped Shelby every day even though her sister whom she loved dearly was sick and and passing away in San Diego. She would sleep on the couch just to be close Parker and be able to hear him best in the house, forging a bond that lasted a life time.

Laura's life was enriched by the love of her family. She is survived by her devoted husband David Giles; great-grandson Parker Giles; brother Joseph Meley of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; stepchildren Raymond and Laurie Giles; many cousins and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents Grace and Anthony Meley; sister Anita Laing; brother-in-law William Laing; granddaughter Shelby Giles; mother-in-law Alice Giles; brothers-in-law Stanley Giles, Joe Giles, Richard Giles; sister-in-law, Patricia Mitchell.

Outside of work and family life, Laura found joy in skiing, cooking, and sewing during her younger years and had a lifelong passion for reading. She also gave generously of her time by volunteering at Birth Line and, at the schools attended by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren-an extension of the love she so freely shared with those around her.

Her Catholic faith remained central throughout her life. From attending Sunday Mass with her parents and brother as a child to embracing her husband's conversion to Catholicism later in life, Laura's spiritual devotion was unwavering.

Laura will be remembered as a loving wife, stepmother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her intelligence was matched only by her kindness and generosity. She touched many lives with warmth and grace-and she will be terribly missed.

May her memory bring comfort and her personal strength bring inspiration to all who knew and loved her.

Rosary Tuesday, April 8, 2024, 7:00 pm, Horan & McConaty, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO. Funeral Mass Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 10:30 am, St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 6673 W. Chatfield Ave., Littleton CO.