I was saddened to hear of the death of our friend, Laura Prescott. She passed on last Sunday, August 26. We always enjoyed the time spent with her at conferences over the years. She will be missed by all. Following is an announcement from Kathleen Hinkley, APG Executive Director.
Wheat Ridge, Colo., 30 August 2018 – The Association of Professional Genealogists is saddened to learn of the death, on 26 August 2018, of Laura G. Prescott. APG extends condolences to Laura’s family and many friends on her passing, especially to her two adult children, Kate Duffy Tarvainen and Nate Duffy, of whom she was so proud, and her granddaughter, Margaret Tarvainen, who brought her such joy.
“Laura’s service to the community of professional genealogists is long and distinguished.” said Billie Stone Fogarty, APG President. “We will all miss her warm smile and engaging demeanor.”
Laura, an alumna of Dartmouth College, served the genealogical community in a number of ways. She was on several conference program committees, worked as an independent genealogical professional, was on the staff of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and, most recently was director of Ancestry Academy for Ancestry.com.
Her service to APG was exemplary, as she served as APG’s vice president in 2008 and 2009 and as president in 2010 and 2011. In 2014, she was presented with APG’s Grahame T. Smallwood, Jr. Award of Merit for outstanding service to APG. Laura’s always cheerful nature and genuine interest in others’work as genealogical professionals inspired the Association to establish the Laura G. Prescott Award for Exemplary Service to Professional Genealogy in 2017, and she was its inaugural recipient. This award is presented in recognition of a career of exemplary professionalism and encouragement to others in the field.
