Laura Lee (Butler) Garvin, age 80, of Aliso Viejo, CA passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025. She was born on September 22, 1945, in Inglewood, CA to Raymond and Irene Butler and spent her childhood in Westchester and Hawthorne, CA. Laura attended Hawthorne High School graduating in 1963. Following high school, she worked as an Operator for Pacific Bell for several years. In 1973, she moved to Orange County, CA living in Westminster and then Aliso Viejo. She worked as a Loan Manager at various banks, including Mercury Savings and Loan in Huntington Beach, CA and Union Federal in Brea, CA. Her last position held was at the Tustin Police Department where she worked as a Property and Evidence Specialist for close to 10 years and retired at the age of 60 in 2005.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Irene Butler as well as her brother, Ronald Butler. She is survived by her daughters, Michelle Garvin and Kelly (Garvin) Lee, her grandsons, Andrew Lee and Sam Summers, her cousins Margaret Karnazes and Dorothy Alvillar and her sister-in law, Arlene Butler. She was a much-loved aunt to her nephew, nieces and a great-niece and great-nephew. Laura had many dogs and cats in her lifetime, most of her pets were strays who found their way to her knowing she would never turn them away. It brings great comfort know that she has been reunited with all the family and pets she loved so much.

When she was young, she dreamed of being a ballerina but quickly realized she was too tall. Instead, she learned to play piano with her mother's encouragement and joined a Modern Dance group in high school. Laura enjoyed decorating her home, often painting, wallpapering, or refinishing furniture on her own. She was independent, resilient, and worked hard to provide for her daughters as a single mother.

In 1990, she traveled by cruise ship with her friend, Mary Matey to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Russia followed by a trip Canada in 1992. After returning from Russia, she joked that the vodka tasted better than the food. She enjoyed these trips and wished to have traveled more.

A few of her favorite things were hummingbirds (she provided a safe spot for nests in a Ficus tree on her front porch where many baby hummingbirds have been born over the past 25 years), musicals and theater, museums, visiting gardens and gardening in her own yard, PBS period dramas, crime dramas, gemstones, cherry cheesecake and See's truffles in no particular order. Her grandsons meant the world to her, and she loved them dearly. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her and every time we see a hummingbird, we will know that she is near.

A service will be held once a final resting place has been determined. Further information to follow in the upcoming months.