Laurie Nevers, 79, of St Paul, died April 23, 2026 at home.  She was born February 18, 1947 in Syracuse, New York and grew up in Detroit and Duluth, where she graduated from Stanbrook Hall. 

Her education included graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude in Economics from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Arts in Teaching from St Thomas University, and a Juris Doctor with admission to the Minnesota Bar from William Mitchell College of Law.  

Laurie’s work experience began as a Social Studies teacher at Henry Sibley High School, moving on to the State University System of Minnesota where she became Director of Personnel coordinating an affirmative action and equal opportunity program for the seven state universities. She went on to work in private practice and as a part time public defender for Ramsey County representing clients from a broad range of ethnic, economic, and racial backgrounds. 

She was also involved in various  professional organizations including the Minnesota Association of Guardians and Conservators which focused on substitute decision making for vulnerable individuals, as well as serving as President of the Warren E Burger Inn of Court, an organization devoted to promoting legal excellence, civility, professionalism, and ethics in the law profession. 

Laurie also volunteered for the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association and the Ramsey County Volunteer Mediation Program. She served on the board of Collide Theatrical Dance Company, and as Vice President of Project Remand an organization providing safe and effective alternatives to detention and prosecution. 

Laurie was a loyal friend, a loving aunt and sister, a lifelong sister and supporter of Alpha Phi, and proud of her 100% Polish ancestry.  She read extensively, cooked delicious meals for friends and family, and created exquisite gardens. She was an accomplished potter and knitter, her last project crafting red resistance “Melt the Ice” hats. Her life and work are best described in her own words, “my definition of equity rests primarily in my strong belief and experience that we all have something of value to contribute and deserve respect”.

She is survived by her sister MaryBeth Nevers (Jon Tofte), Cathy Nevers (Mike Sampson), her nieces and nephews Josef Tofte, Alena Tofte, Greta Holtz, Karyn Sande, Peter Zwickey, and her beloved dog Baxter. 

Visitation will be held at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Avenue South, Edina MN 55435 on Thursday,  May 21, 2026 at 10am followed by an 11am Memorial Service.