Laura Phelps Howells, a ray of warmth and light to everyone who knew her, passed away Nov. 5 at the age of 43, less than four months after she was diagnosed with cancer. 

Laura was a beautiful person, inside and out: kind, caring, genuine, compassionate, thoughtful, gentle, positive, patient, and wise – and also hilarious, ridiculously silly, and always, always up for fun. 

She was the daughter of Sandra and the late John Phelps of Clinton, N.J.; younger sister to John Phelps of Landenberg, Penn., and his wife, Jessica, and aunt to Jack and Sam; older sister to Kevin Phelps of Branchburg, N.J., and his wife Courtney, and aunt to Eila, Johnny, and Eloise. 

She lived in Milton with her husband, Brian, and their daughters Evelyn, 12, and Sydney, 8. Baby Grace, who left this world before she entered it, was a cherished member of the family. 

Laura was also a beloved auntie to the children of her many friends. 

She grew up in Lansdale, Penn., and was voted most laid back in high school, which she joked was the opposite of most likely to succeed. But if success is measured by the love a person brings into and is surrounded by in the world, Laura’s achievements knew no bounds.   

She attended Syracuse University, where she met Brian and became a Delta Gamma. She earned her master’s in sustainability and environmental management at Harvard University and worked in executive education at Harvard Business School for the past 18 years.

Laura was indeed laid back, but also a mastermind of complex spreadsheets. She had incredible style but never bought anything that wasn't on sale. She was a longtime vegetarian who would whip up an elaborate charcuterie plate when friends dropped by, which they often did. She ran half-marathons and 5Ks for every charity fundraiser in town. She showed up with soup and hugs and words of wisdom for friends in need. She had a radiant smile and a strong sense of self, while still being open and loving and gracious to all. 

Laura believed in the fundamental goodness of people, and had the unique ability to make anybody she was with feel beautiful, interesting, and like the most important person in the world. Even the guys on the crew that remodeled their house said they would do anything for her. 

It was almost as if she knew her time here would be short, and she lived and loved with her whole heart for every minute she had.   

Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 16, at 11:30 a.m. at the Blue Hill Country Club, 23 Pecunit St., in Canton. Visitors are encouraged to bring a written memory of Laura, or fill out one of the provided notecards.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Memorials and the Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support.