Obituary of Laurel Sweatt

Sweatt, Laurel "Cookie"

Age 69, of Edina, MN was called home on May 14th, 2019. Born and raised in the Twin Cities Cookie entered this world with a zest for life and a sparkle that would touch thousands of people over her lifetime. In her early years, she was a highly accomplished and competitive figure skater and skilled equestrian with a love for horses. Cookie had a passion for adventure and travel which included years of yachting in the Virgin Islands and worldly exploration. Her entrepreneurial spirit guided her to establish her own private investigative firm and to become the first female licensed private investigator in the state of MN. Through God's grace, Cookie courageously overcame addiction and survived cancer; becoming a beacon of light and hope for people around the world. As a result of these experiences she dedicated her life to love and service. Through her profound faith in God, Cookie passionately and tirelessly shared her experience, strength, and hope helping countless people find recovery from the disease of addiction. She spent over 21 years volunteering her time at The Retreat in Wayzata, Minnesota, was a national speaker and walked hand in hand with many fellow travelers on the road to recovery. Cookie was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a teacher, a mentor and an incredible friend. She led by example and her bright light infused hope to all those that crossed her path. She was a woman of faith, a woman of integrity, and walked through life with an unmistakable twinkle in her eye. Preceded in death by parents, Laurel (Thurston) & John Bessesen. Survived by brothers William and John (Beth) Bessesen, niece Anne-Marit (Ben) Kerr and nephew Loren Templeton. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, June 13th at Wayzata Community Church, 125 Wayzata Blvd. E. at 1pm. Fellowship to follow at West Suburban Alano, 5235 Woodhill Rd. Minnetonka, 4-6pm.