April 2021, by NRPA

Laura Wetherald (Nee Thompson) was born in Pennsylvania on August 6, 1955 to Charles Winslow and Lois Ann Thompson. She passed on February 19, 2021 she was 65.  She was preceded in death by her father Charles Winslow Thompson.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Timothy Wetherald and mother, Lois Thompson. As well as her loving daughters, Cori Wetherald and Hannah Masi (Jon). Including many other cherished family and friends.

Laura graduated from James Madison University in 1977, and received her Masters Degree in Urban and Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Baltimore. She served as a faculty member at Catonsville Community, Frostburg, and Hood Colleges.

Laura was a nationally featured speaker within the Recreation and Parks Community and has published several articles most notably relating to Therapeutic Recreation and Recreation Accreditation. She was very active in the Maryland and National Recreation and Park Association and was involved with the Commission on Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies as a Commissioner.

The list of her numerous awards from the organizations she was a member of are too vast to capture, highlighted by the MRPA Distinguished Fellow Award, Bill Hope Award for Excellence, Howard County Employee of the Year, multiple Member of the Year Awards from MRPA,  culminating in her induction into the Academy of Park and Recreation Administrators.