Laura C. Linehan Laura Christine Linehan died April 4, 2008, after a life-long battle with liver disease. She was the beloved daughter of James Linehan and Ann McCarthy Linehan, and the cherished sister of Cara A. and Drew E. Linehan, all of Melrose. Lovely Laura embraced life and was always game for adventure and new experiences. Despite serious medical issues she participated in a wide array of activities, including soccer, swimming, cheerleading, and school plays. Many of the people who surrounded Laura were never aware of the extent of her condition because of her positive attitude and energetic force. Those who knew her well were aware that her condition was exhausting, but that did not stop Laura from pursuing her active life. Laura attended Melrose Public Schools through middle school and graduated from Our Lady of Nazareth Academy in 2006. She posted Dean's List grades her first semester at North Shore Community College concentrating in English. Unfortunately, her illness started to impair her ability to pursue her education. Laura loved to write and also frequently found herself on both sides of the camera, snapping friends and family, and documenting her life though photography. Photos of Laura depict a very happy, smiling child and young lady, along with a catalogue of "action shots" capturing her devotion to enjoying her friends and family, particularly in the sun. In addition, Laura was known for her stylish dress and pursuit of a good meal; she craved salty, crunchy food. It is universally known that Laura enjoyed "fine dining" but would pass on dessert in exchange for more chips, fries, pesto, mussels or fried clams. As Laura's disease progressed, Laura moved to Jacksonville, Florida, with her mother in early January where she hoped to receive a new liver through the hospitals of Saint Luke and Mayo Clinic, as organs are more readily available in that region. Her chances of a successful transplant were greatly enhanced by relocating to Florida rather than staying in the Boston area. Her fabulous medical team at MGH was supportive of the move, as were the outstanding doctors and medical staff who had successfully given Laura her first transplant at the age of two at Boston Children's Hospital. Laura's father and sisters alternated between Jacksonville and Melrose as the family awaited a liver. Tragically, Laura succumbed to the complications of liver disease the day an organ was found for a transplant. Laura exhibited extraordinary strength as she suffered and courageously and bravely tackled her mission to restore her health while being so far away from family, friends and loved ones. Laura was the dear granddaughter of Edna McCarthy and her late husband James of CT, and Elizabeth Linehan and her late husband Charles, Jr., of Cambridge, MA. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends including her extraordinarily dear friend Lea Fasano. Contributions in Laura's name may be made to the American Liver Foundation, Run for Research, 88 Winchester St., Newton, MA 02461 or to make an online donation please go to: www.Active.Com/Donate/Liverteam08/LDempsey08 and support a friend of the family who will be running the Boston Marathon in Laura's name. The family's mission and their deepest wishes are to create organ donation awareness. Please consider indicating your wishes to be an organ donor on your driver's license and telling your next of kin of your intention so it will be honored. Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose, Thursday April 10th at 10 a.m., from the Gately Funeral Home at 9AM. Visitng hours Tuesday 4-8PM & Wednesday 4-8PM. Burial will take place at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge.