\r\n\tAs a little girl, Laurene learned to quilt sitting beside her Grandma Nielsen. Because of a poverty-poor childhood she was unable to utilize this skill until age 26 when she was called to be president of the women's organization in her church. It was like a rocket launch! From that moment on every lady learned to quilt whether they liked it or not.
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\r\n\tOur family life and household revolved around church and quilting. There was quilting and craft stuff everywhere. In her late 40s, Laurene and her good friend, Janet, started The Quilted Apple. Throughout the next 25 years she built The Quilted Apple into one of the most renown quilt stores in the U.S. - and around the world. People came from everywhere to shop at her store. She traveled all over the nation teaching, lecturing and promoting quilting and appliqué. Our family life and household then revolved around The Quilted Apple. 
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\r\n\tWe had four talented daughters but none ever gained any great interest in quilting or the operation of the store.  One granddaughter sat her Grandma's side and became an expert and prolific quilter. With unbelievable determination and courage, Laurene rose from poverty to become a successful wife, mother, grandmother, civic and church leader and business woman. Every single person Laurene came in contact with became an instant friend. She loved and respected all and in return was beloved by all.