Celebration of Life for Rev. Dr. Laura Shackelford
Schedule
Sun, 29 Mar, 2026 at 01:00 pm
UTC-07:00Location
45630 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA, United States, California 92260 | Palm Desert, CA
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It is with deep sadness—and with profound gratitude for a life beautifully lived—that we share the transition of Rev. Dr. Laura Shackelford on February 3.For nearly thirty years, Dr. Laura walked beside this spiritual community with an open heart, a brilliant mind, a joyful sense of humor, and an unwavering devotion to service. From her earliest days at our Center, she stepped naturally into both business and spiritual leadership, serving on our Board of Trustees for almost twenty-five years. Over time, her path expanded into roles as Staff Minister, Assistant Minister, and Co-Director, where her wisdom, clarity, and compassion shaped the very soul of our Center.
Her service created a legacy of excellence, integrity, and spiritual depth that will continue to guide us for generations.
Beyond our walls, Dr. Laura also served Centers for Spiritual Living for many years as Recording Secretary. Dr. Kenn Gordon, past President, often spoke of her “incredible dedication and the profound value she brought to the organization as it continued to grow, evolve, and expand.”
Our own Minister Emeritus, Rev. Dr. Joe Hooper, shared these heartfelt words:
“Laura and I began our ministerial journey together many decades ago, and from the very beginning I recognized in her a rare and radiant spiritual brilliance. Over the years, we served side by side—teaching, creating, visioning, and nurturing what would blossom into one of the finest spiritual communities in the Coachella Valley. Together, we helped birth something truly sacred, a ministry that touched the lives of thousands upon thousands and continues to ripple outward even now.
She will forever hold a place in my heart. Laura was, without question, a pillar of this community—steadfast, compassionate, wise, and unapologetically authentic. Her humor carried light into every room, and her approach to spiritual enlightenment was uniquely her own: bold, courageous, and always anchored in truth. She spoke her truth with clarity. She lived her truth with integrity. And she leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to guide us long beyond this moment.”
After Dr. Joe’s retirement, Dr. Laura stepped into leadership once again, becoming Spiritual Co-Leader alongside Dr. Dale Olansky and Assistant Minister Rev. William Conway, further anchoring the Center in spiritual principle and compassionate presence.
It is impossible to fully summarize the magnitude of her contributions. What we can say is this:
Dr. Laura is, and will always be, a legacy.
Her love, her brilliance, her courage, and her humor shaped us.
Her consciousness lives on in the very fabric of our spiritual community.
A Celebration of Life honoring Dr. Laura will take place on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm.
Please hold Cory, Ryan, their families, her sister, her nieces, and her beloved grandchildren in your prayers. May they feel the comfort of Divine Presence and the loving embrace of this community.
And may we remember, in Dr. Laura’s own spirit, that “Her journey continues, and her light remains.”
In Truth,
Dr. Dale
Rev. William
Elizabeth
Dr. Joe
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Where is it happening?
45630 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA, United States, California 92260Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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