"Laurie was the ideal business colleague- always there when you needed a hand and ready to celebrate the small successes with a great enthusiasm. She was truly the friend you never knew you needed until you did."
In loving memory of
Laurie Michaelle Malone
May 14, 1958 - May 21, 2022
Laurie Michaelle Malone, 64, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed on May 21st, 2022. She was predeceased by parents Dr. William G. Loufman and Barbara Loufman. She is survived by her husband Rodney Malone; her children Christopher (Kelsey) Wittoesch, Maximillian Malone and Emilie Wittoesch; her grandchildren Madison and Connor Wittoesch; her brother William J. Loufman
No one loved like Laurie. If you knew her for more than five minutes, you knew how much she loved "Big Daddy" otherwise known as her husband Rodney, her children Christopher, Max and Emilie, and her precious grandbabies Maddie and Connor. To be Rodney's wife brought her pride and joy beyond measure. Being a mom to Christopher, Max and Emilie and Nonna to her grandbabies was equally important to her. She loved her family time and was an incredible cook and foodie. (Non-foodies, move along.) If Laurie could connect you to a resource or an opportunity; wild horses couldn't stop her. She was a selfless powerhouse that would do anything for another human being. She loved without limits, never looking for anything in return. She was protective and proud. She was passionate and private. Laurie was so happy and full of life. She would light up every room she entered with her 5-foot stature. She would leave every room with 50 more friends than she entered with. She was a people connector. She lived to unite people and she did it every day without missing a beat. No one was more kind, more thoughtful, more resilient, more focused, more gracious. But make no mistake...step out of line, especially about her kids or her hubby; and she could be a firecracker (after all...she's Italian).
Laurie was an accomplished businesswoman. She excelled in the professional field both in the corporate setting as a quick rising executive and as an entrepreneur who developed, maintained, and grew three businesses. She held high level positions for companies with prestige such as Fifth Third Bank where she became the youngest and the first female marketing director. At GE Capital in 1997, she was recognized for closing a billion-dollar deal. In 2012, she closed the largest Autodesk® deal at CAD Soft. These are just a few of her acknowledgments. Together, she and Rodney bought, grew, invested in, and cultivated four amazing businesses from Ohio to Arizona: Jani-King, Malone Consulting Services, Arizona Final Clean, and Golden Heart Senior Care that was recognized for five years in a row as a Top 100 Woman owned business.
For Laurie, giving back was always a part of her life. Her nonprofit work started when she ran the 1994 and 1995 New York Marathons to benefit children with Leukemia. Laurie was a founding board member of K2 Adventures Foundation where she served as the Secretary of the Board for eight years, then moving to the Advisory Board for five years. Her 13-year commitment to the non-profit not only served individuals with disabilities but changed the lives of so many.
She leaves a rich legacy that will be cherished and carried on by Rodney, Christopher, Max, Emilie and all her friends.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to K2 Adventures - https://k2adventures.org/donate/
For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed at the following link: https://vimeo.com/714655626
Tributes
"We knew the Malones for six years as business related friends. My wife, and I connected immediately with Laurie. She was a mentor in a sense. As Franchise owners in Iowa. She always gave sound advice. She told us that we would be like family and that we could call at anytime. She and Rodney were supportive of our business and believed in us. As our businesses grew we were happy for one another and we would always tease each other about gaining that top spot in Golden Heart. We are sadden by the suddenness of this loss. A friendship that is hard to come by. You will be miss my friend, but not forgotten. Our prayers and thoughts are with Rodney and their children. May our LORD comfort you and yours during this trying time. Stephen and Lorri Stegall , Golden Heart Des Moines."
"I have know Laurie for almost 30yrs. My sister was married to her brother Bill. Although we didn't see each other often, she would always say, we were family. I loved her mom and dad, Doc and Barbara. I remember the first day we met. She came in like a hurricane lol and lit up the room. She gave me the biggest hug as if we had been friends forever. Over the years I came to learn that, that was just Laurie. She was kind, loving, gregarious, loud lol and one of a kind. We hit if off immediately. I know how much she loved her children and Rodney (Big Daddy) because she proved it everyday. She was always so highly success in whatever she decided to do and that shows great strength, work ethic and perseverance. If anyone could get it done, it was Laurie. This Earthly plane has lost one of it's best. She was called because she was needed elsewhere, to give comfort, a smile, a warm embrace and a bright shinning light. God Speed Laurie. My thoughts and prayers lie with Rod and their children. May you always feel her warm and loving heart in yours. From my family to yours...Our greatest condolences and sympathy on your loss. "
"Laurie and I met through business, me at Autodesk, she at Cadsoft Consulting. We quickly became good friends, as well as successful business partners. Her energy was contagious, and her love of closing big deals exceeded my own. We also discovered a mutual love of food, which she shared with the love of her life, Rodney, aka Big Daddy. When she moved on to Golden Heart Senior care, we kept in touch weekly, checking in on each other and catching up on our families. She loved her family and was thrilled to become a grandmother. every day.Laurie is my sister from another mother, and I will miss her. "