Laura T Almquist

Local philanthropist and community advocate Laura “Lolly” Almquist has died, leaving behind a history of volunteer work in Tucson. Almquist and her husband, John, became prominent names in the community since moving to Tucson in 1958. Lolly attended Westover School in Connecticut and returned to Ithaca to major in English at Cornell. There she met her beloved husband John, to whom she was married for 66 years until his death las yer. John died a year ago and like Almquist, he was remembered for giving back to the community and supporting local and national charitable causes. Almquist was a member of several organizations such as the Tucson Airport Authority, the Pima Council on Aging and the Governor’s Council on Children, Youth and Families. Almquist’s contributions to Tucson span decades. In 1977, Almquist was elected to the Tucson Unified School District Board and served two terms. She also served as a Cornell University Trustee, on the University Medical Center Board of Directors, and as Chair of the Junior League of Tucson. Among her many board memberships were: The Pima Council on Aging, Tucson Airport Authority, Northern Trust Bank, Tucson Urban League, the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona, the Educational Enrichment Foundation, Las Doñas, the Silver and Turquoise Ball, St Mark’s Presbyterian Church, and the Children’s Action Alliance. She was proud to have served as treasurer of three of Gabby Gifford’s political campaigns. Lolly is survived by her sister Carol des Cognets, her half-brother John Coffin (Karen), her children Peter (Marty), Kristin, Art (Amy), her grandchildren Matt (Allison) and Chris, and her nephews Robert (Erin) and Duncan (Debbie) and their families.