Laura Nicole Miller Schwarz

With great sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Laura Nicole Miller Schwarz on January 29, 2025. Born on September 5, 1993, Laura’s 31 years were filled with love, adventure, and a passion for caring for others—both people and animals alike.

Laura is survived by her loving family: her mother Celes, father David, older sister Michelle, younger brother Ryan, grandfather Verne, and grandmother Lynn. She also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, especially her beloved Auntie Gayle, with whom she shared a special bond. Laura was also in the midst of a separation from Nicholas Schwarz, with whom she had shared her life since 2011.

A devoted animal lover, Laura was a pet mom to countless creatures over the years, but her heart belonged most to her cats—Olive, Bojangles, and Calamari—and her dogs, Arya and Mia. Her love for animals was boundless, and she was happiest when surrounded by her furry companions or out in nature. Laura found peace and joy in the outdoors, exploring national parks, attending baseball games, and traveling the world in search of new adventures.

Laura grew up in a home filled with love, determination, and a sense of purpose. As a child, she was known for her strong will, endless curiosity, and warm, happy spirit. Those traits stayed with her into adulthood, shaping her into a compassionate and driven woman with a fierce dedication to the people and causes she cared about. After graduating from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks with a degree in Liberal Studies, Laura dedicated herself to helping others—a calling she carried throughout her life.

She spent several years living in Arlington, Virginia, before returning to the West Coast, where she settled in Hermosa Beach. In those final months, Laura embraced the beauty of her surroundings and the next chapter of her journey with resilience and grace.

Laura’s absence leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew her. She will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her unwavering kindness, and her deep love for her family, friends, and countless animals. Her memory will continue to inspire all those whose lives she touched, and her light will continue to shine on.

A memorial of Laura’s life will be held at Mount Sinai Simi Valley on Thursday, February 6th at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her honor to AFSP for suicide prevention and awareness, or your local cat rescue such as Stray Cat Alliance or Black Cat Holistic Rescue in Los Angeles.