East Lyme - Laurie Anne Whitney, 51 of Niantic, formerly of Norwich, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013, after a sudden illness at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Her two children and sister were by her side throughout her illness.Laurie was born on Aug. 1, 1962, in New London, the step-daughter of William Harman and daughter of the late Donna Harman. She graduated in 1980 from East Lyme High School. On June 1, 1986, Laurie married the love of her life, Mark Whitney, at The Morton House in Niantic.She is survived by her son, Mark; and daughter, Jennifer of Norwich; sister Denise Brodeur and her husband, Robert, of East Lyme; and her brother, Frederick McCormack of Niantic; and her two step-sisters, Lisa Scott of East Lyme, and Laurie Harman of North Stonington. She leaves behind 15 nieces and six nephews.Laurie joins her husband, Mark Whitney; mother, Donna Harman; and nephew, Daniel Murtha, who predeceased her.Each and every member will cherish the memory that will forever live within their hearts of a woman who always put family as her first priority. After working as a cook at several area restaurants, Laurie found a home working with the people at The Olive Garden in Waterford. The Olive Garden Family remained in her heart until the end.Laurie's family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the medical team at Yale-New Haven Hospital, particularly MICU-9, for their caring nature during her illness.Calling hours will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic, with a funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery, Norwich.www.neilanfuneralhome.com