Laureen Dorothy McLeer Free, age 69, from Chesapeake City, MD, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024. She was born on February 5, 1955, in Flushing, NY, to the late William Myers McLeer, and Una Lee Massey McLeer.

Laureen was a woman of unparalleled inner strength and vision. She never settled for the easy path in life. She was a hard worker, brave, and self-assured. Even when facing the gravest challenges, including death, she stood unafraid. Laureen possessed an extraordinary gift of foresight and knew exactly which battles were worth fighting and which were an unwise use of energy. She shared this gift freely and was listened to and respected by her friends, family, and peers.

Laureen’s life was filled with remarkable achievements and selfless service. As a nursing student at Columbia, she volunteered at the Men’s VD Clinic in Harlem when HIV had just begun. She would walk to the clinic with a bright flower proudly displayed on her uniform as a message to the locals that she would have safe passage.  After earning her MBA at the London School of Economics, she continued to express her dedication to helping others by managing studies for cancer drug companies, serving on the Board of Directors for the Columbia University Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association, and in the last ten years she returned to hands-on nursing at the VA.

Laureen had a profound love for the land, wildlife, flora, family, God, and Country.  She was a passionate conservation advocate of the Eastern Shore & Chesapeake Bay and served as a board member of the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy.  Laureen was also a devoted member of St. Augustine Episcopal Church in Chesapeake City, MD.

Laureen is survived by her loving husband, Martin Free; sons, Carey (wife, Ember), Kevin, and Brian (wife, Lucy); sister, Una Lee McLeer Penninger; niece, Una Lee Penninger, and nephew, William Penninger.

A celebration of Laureen’s life will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Augustine Episcopal Church, Rt. 310 & Mitton Road, Chesapeake City, MD, where family and friends may begin visiting at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Augustine Cemetery followed by a reception of light fare and beverages at the Church’s log cabin.