Laura-Lyn Saunders Breckenridge (Lauri and Zha-Zha), 61, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of June 1 ^st , 2021 from an acute illness. Lauri was born in Salinas, California on October 5, 1959, just a short distance from what would become her favorite playground, the beaches in the Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz areas. Later in life she also lived in the Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties remaining close to Pacific Ocean beaches nearby. Lauri was always recharged by life on the beach, the beautiful ocean, the sea breezes, the sun, and the salt water. Her family's move to Skagit County, WA and other life changes led Lauri to leave her beloved California to make what turned out to be her last home on earth, the one she would leave behind for her eternal home in Heaven.

Lauri loved the beauty of the Pacific Northwest that surrounded her new home. She enjoyed the ocean breezes (winds coming off the magnificent San Juan Island Straits), right outside her front door. The picturesque islands stand just a couple of hours from her home and have wonderful beaches and charming coastal towns. Bayview State Park is a short drive away, located on the Puget Sound waters, a place of rocky beaches instead of sand, but perfect water for wind surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing. Lauri could not have found a more perfect place to have lived the last part of her life.

Lauri loved to read and great love stories were some of her favorites. She created her own love story in Washington where she found the love of her life, Jeff Breckenridge. Lauri and Jeff enjoyed spending a lot of time with their children and grandchildren. Together, they created many treasured family memories, and they also loved gatherings at their home that combined family with friends. Their favorite memories were likely from family vacations with their grandchildren. Lauri loved traveling and some of her favorite places included Disneyland, Costa Rica and Pacific Grove. Jeff had just retired and the two had been busy making wonderful plans to travel across the United States, visiting with family and friends and later enjoying a romantic month of the Hawaiian beach life.

Lauri was the first child of Carolyn Sue (Nana) Saunders and James Warren (Jim) Saunders. She graduated from Milpitas High School in 1977. She attended Monterey Peninsula Junior College and Cal State Hayward where she pursued certifications in health science and fitness. Early in life, Lauri was a champion baton-twirler and dancer and began teaching even before entering high school. She grew into a very successful instructor producing state and national champions. This experience led to her calling as a fitness trainer. She was always competitive and known for her intense workouts. She trained athletes at Stanford University and high schools and fitness clubs in the Bay Area. After moving to Washington, Lauri offered training at Riverside Health Club and at her own training gym, Fitness on the Farm. She was dedicated to helping adults and young people stay healthy or rehab injuries. She worked with many young people, training them to be their best in their athletics.

Lauri is survived by both her parents, her children Tiffany Rainaud-Hinds (with Eric), Bow; and Kristopher Kronk (with Mandy), Sacramento, CA; and stepchildren, Tarra Knutson (with Kyle), Day Creek; and Krista Breckenridge (with Anthony), Carlton. Surviving grandchildren are Hali Rainaud, Amey Rainaud, and Jordan Rainaud, Kaiden Kronk, Jace Mason, Zak Mason and Preston Mason, Bria Knutson and Karsin Knutson, Joslyn Rispone, Keyla Rispone, and Aliyah Rispone.

Lauri's surviving siblings are Pamela Saunders, Burlington; Erik (with Erin) Saunders, Anacortes; Sarrah Saunders Shores (with Mike), Burlington; and Greg (with Kelli) Saunders, Stanwood. Lauri joins her two siblings, Robert and Christopher Saunders in her new eternal home. Lauri is also loved by many surviving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles and friends that were like family, locally and across the country. She has been the glue that held this large family together here on earth and now joins many loved ones in Heaven.

With so many grandchildren, Lauri was frequently at sporting events and was one of the biggest fans of Burlington-Edison High School Tiger Sports. She loved the Bow-Edison community and volunteered generously at Edison Elementary School where her grandchildren Hali and Amey were students.

Lauri was also a member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints and had a strong Christian faith. While her life on earth ended too soon, she packed it full of fun and love. We are all grateful for her place in our lives and all that she gave to so many. Until we see you again Lauri, we all love you dearly and will each honor what you gave to this world in our own personal way, carrying forward your loving and giving spirit.

At Lauri's request, there will not be a public funeral service, but on a later date, a gathering and service will be held at the farm to celebrate her life.