Lauri L. Washburn

Lauri Stein Washburn (August 21, 1961 – February 5, 2026) Lauri Stein Washburn was born on August 21, 1961, in Dearborn, Michigan, to Harold and Norma Stein. She grew up in Canton alongside her siblings, Sandy, Mark, and Mickey. The Stein household, filled with camaraderie, lively cocktail parties, and neighborhood adventures, shaped Lauri’s vivacious and magnetic spirit. Summers were spent on Long Lake in Alpena, Michigan, Lauri’s favorite place where some of her most cherished memories were made. She loved fishing with her grandfather, Mike, despite her being notorious for having a snagged line. She developed an early understanding of the importance of family. Her childhood home on North Drive was in a neighborhood of large yards and woods affectionately known as “The Pines,” where mischief and laughter were abundant. At age 12 Lauri taught the neighborhood gals to dance. Of course, recitals were held in family garages as well as nursing homes. She felt deeply blessed to have carried those childhood friendships with her into adulthood. Lauri graduated from John Glenn High School, where she distinguished herself as a leader, accomplished student-athlete, and active participant in the arts. Crowned Homecoming Queen, she was admired for her poise and school spirit. She pursued gymnastics, dance, track, cheerleading, and theater, showing early on her multifaceted talents and love of performance. Following graduation, Lauri pursued pageantry and professional modeling, achieving recognition as a Top Three finalist in the Miss Michigan competition. Her success reflected her confidence, composure, and determination. In the early 1980s, during the disco era she adored, Lauri moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she earned her professional license from the Ippolito School of Cosmetology and apprenticed under her brother Mark at his salon, Mark James. Her reputation drew notable clients, including players of the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears, known as the ‘Monsters of the Midway,’ whose fierce defense and Super Bowl victory changed history. Returning to Michigan in the mid-1990s, Lauri worked in various Ann Arbor salons including Heidi’s, Tricho, and Infinity. After the loss of her brother Mark, she took on many of his clients, demonstrating her strength, loyalty, and commitment to preserving his legacy. She continuously honed her craft through workshops, seminars, Barber Boot Camp in North Carolina, and volunteer work cutting hair for the homeless. She traveled to Los Angeles, Chicago, and across Michigan to improve her skills, always embracing growth both professionally and personally. In 2001, Lauri married Craig Washburn. Together, they shared vibrant personalities, easy conversation, and a genuine care for others. They traveled extensively, visiting Bora Bora, Mexico, Aruba, and Barbados. Lauri never packed lightly, once arriving with 26 pairs of shoes, a humorous testament to her love of fashion and flair for being prepared for every occasion. In September 2003, Lauri welcomed her only child, Haylee Washburn. Motherhood became one of the defining roles of her life. She poured into her daughter the same drive, confidence, and determination that guided her own journey, creating a bond through holiday traditions, timeless films, and evenings filled with song and dance. Lauri always showed up for Haylee, every dance competition, birthday party, and most importantly her graduation from Western Michigan University. Though uncertain whether her health would allow her to attend, Lauri was determined to be present at Haylee’s graduation ceremony, and that she did. She was exceptionally proud of Haylee and every accomplishment she achieved. In 2018, Lauri was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy. When the cancer metastasized in 2022, she faced the biggest battle of her life with extraordinary courage. Not once did she complain nor ask why, instead she chose to fight hard. We will forever miss our sweet Lauri’s beautiful face, smile, and witty personality. Our hearts are broken without her and our lives will be forever changed. Lauri will be remembered for her elegance, ambition, unwavering work ethic, and deep devotion to family. She lived a life of growth, perseverance, and purpose: a legacy that continues through those she loved most. Lauri was preceded in death by: Grandparents: Michael and Clara Hogan; Frederick and Florence Stein, Parents: Harold and Norma Stein, Brothers: Mark and Michael Stein. She is survived by: Husband: Douglas Craig Washburn, Daughter: Haylee Washburn, Nieces and nephews: Davion, Emitt, Gabriel, Jayden, Jessica, Jodi, Leah, and Rachel Visitation Thursday, February 19th 3-8 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Road West, (between Sheldon & Beck) Plymouth, MI 48170. Funeral Service Friday, February 20th 11 AM at the funeral home. A Special thank you to all of Lauri's family, friends, and clients who supported us during this difficult time. The family asks that all donations be made to Hospice of Michigan in Lauri’s honor

Lauri L. Washburn

August 21, 1961 - February 5, 2026