Laurie Hockenbrocht Soucy

RUMFORD – On March 31, 2025, Laurie Hockenbrocht Soucy passed away unexpectedly leaving a void that can never be filled and a legacy of love, laughter, generosity, and zest for life.

Laurie was born in Providence, R.I. on Sept. 8, 1963 and was the daughter of Barry Lee Hockenbrocht and Carol Joyce (Irving) Hockenbrocht. As the second eldest child, Laurie would care for her siblings; that caring quality was ignited at a young age. Throughout her youth and into adulthood, family was everything to her and every holiday would be an opportunity for her to use her artistic creativity and warm and generous character to liven up everyone’s holiday spirit.

Laurie was married in Rumford on April 23, 2000 to John Soucy of Rumford. Laurie and John met in the “Peak a Week” hiking group, and after a few short hikes, the two became inseparable. Laurie even took fly fishing lessons at LL Bean, something John loved doing, in hopes of having even more in common. Throughout time and in their travels, she and John continued to fly fish and see new places together.

One of the greatest joys in Laurie’s life was her children, Christopher and Kirsten. Laurie would fiercely encourage any and all hobbies and passions they set their sights on, while teaching them countless life lessons and how to have fun. She loved watching them grow and couldn’t have been more proud of the people they have become. Laurie’s influence on their lives is immeasurable and the bond she shared with them will bring them strength and comfort for years to come.

Nothing mattered more to Laurie than family. She was a dedicated wife, mother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend. Being in the sun with the ones she loved was one of her happiest places to be. As countless people can attest, Laurie was a naturally brilliant chef and baker, who often would use cooking to convey her love and support.

Laurie loved learning whether that was new art forms, new recipes or skills, and she loved meeting new people and visiting new places. She did this with the intention of broadening her horizons and learning to support the ones she loved. With hopes to travel even more, some of her favorite places to visit were Montana, Florida, and the coast of Maine where she spent time biking, trying new restaurants, and island hopping with her husband and daughter.

She was a graduate of Rumford High School class of 1981 and held a Bachelors of Science Degree in Community Health Education from the University of Maine Farmington. She graduated Eta Sigma Gamma as part of the National Professional Honorary Society in Health Science (May 2000).

Laurie contributed greatly to her community as a Program Director and successful grant writer. At the time of her passing, she worked for the Rangeley Region Health and Wellness Partnership where she was both the primary provider for the respite care program and Grant Director for one of the organization’s federal grants. From 2001 through 2012, Laurie worked for the Regional School Unit #10 as a School Health Coordinator. In that position she worked with schools and local health and physical education teachers to develop and refine their health and wellness curriculums and practices, aiding both students and staff. Laurie was a co-author and administrator of two grants with the US Department of Education during this time, securing over $1.2 million in funding to help her mission of improving physical education, health, and nutrition programming in schools. Throughout her career and in her personal life Laurie was known for her unwavering willingness to step in wherever needed, embodying a spirit of service, compassion, and community support.

Her love of education and passion for helping others led her to attain several licenses and certifications. She was a Certified Health Education Specialist, Certified Health and Wellness Coach, State of Maine Certified K-12 Health Teacher, grant writer and reviewer, and had been licensed as a Personal Support Specialist just days before her passing.

Laurie is survived by her husband John Soucy of Rumford; son Christopher Gilbert of Rumford, daughter Kirsten Soucy of Portland; brother Frank Hockenbrocht and wife Cathy Hockenbrocht of Long Island, N.Y., sister Pamela Gautreau of Cape Coral, Fla., sister Julie Plummer and husband Mark Plummer of Harmon, sister Justina Beaulieu of Springvale, sister Colleen Richards and husband Andrew Richards of Casco, her stepsisters Lisa Barrieau of Rumford, and Linda Martineau of Bradington, Fla.

Laurie was predeceased by her parents, Carol Joyce Collette and Barry Lee Hockenbrocht, and her stepfather Edmond Collette, and step sister Judy Holland.

Friends and family are invited to share memories of Laurie at http://www.meaderandsoncom.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday April 26, 2025 at the Parish of The Holy Savior St. Athanasius St. John Church 126 Maine Ave, Rumford, ME. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Rumford at a later date.

Arrangements are by the Meader & Son Funeral Home, 3 Franklin St Rumford, ME.