Knoxville (Farragut), TN - Laurie Jeanne Eldridge, 67, passed away on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on September 30th, 1956, in Red Bank, NJ, Laurie was the daughter of Frederick A. and Gladys Jeanne Hagan Eldridge. She grew up in Middletown, NJ, graduating from Middletown High School in 1974. Laurie's life was a beautiful journey, taking her from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Wyoming and then finally settling in East Tennessee, a place she cherished and planned to call home forever.

For over 40 years, Laurie pursued her passion for travel and handcrafted treasures as part of the Renaissance/Celtic circuit. Her "Vardo" was a familiar sight, filled with unique jewelry and wonders. Laurie loved this business and the connections she made with people throughout her travels.



Devoted to her family, Laurie will be deeply missed by her mother, Gladys Eldridge; sister, Tara Fallon (John); son, Lt. Col David Celeste, USAF (Larisa); daughter, Jennifer Celeste; grandchildren, Andrew Celeste, Xavier Celeste, Matthew Celeste, and Remington Smith. She also leaves behind cherished childhood friends, Patty Lee and Cheryl Stanley, and her beloved canine companion and work buddy, Baily.

Laurie was predeceased by her father, Frederick A. Eldridge; ex-husband, Steven Homer Potts, with whom she remained close; and her grandparents, John and Theresa Hagan, whom she held dear as her "Nana & Pop-Pop” and known as their “Little Princess”.
 

Laurie's life overflowed with joy and adventure, and recently found a love of cruising. She faced challenges with a positive spirit, always finding the good in every situation. She was incredibly proud of her son's service to his country and always went out of her way to express her gratitude to veterans whenever she met them. Her four grandsons were her pride and joy, and she cherished being their "Nana."

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 15th, at 2:00 pm at the Middletown Reformed Church, located at 121 Kings Hwy, Middletown, NJ 07748. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather back at Laurie's childhood home in Middletown to share memories and laughter. In a beautiful tribute to Laurie's free spirit, butterflies will be released to symbolize her love and the joy she brought to the world.

Interment will be at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown NJ

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Laurie’s honor to a local animal rescue/shelter or charity of your choice.