Laura M. Shanks

Sept. 19, 2006--Laura Marie Shanks, 20, of Lower Makefield, Pa., died Aug. 28.

Ms. Shanks was a sophomore at the University of Delaware, majoring in medical technology. She was considering a career in nursing or veterinary medicine.

Born in Terre Haute, Ind., Ms. Shanks was a 2005 graduate of Pennsbury High School.

She was intensely interested in animal rights and welfare and supported the work of the AARK (animal rescue) Foundation in Newtown, Pa. She also engaged in voluntary activities at a community animal shelter and Friends of Homeless Animals.

Ms. Shanks is survived by her parents, Claire and Jeff Shanks, and a sister, Leslie Ann Shanks, all of Lower Makefield. She also is survived by her maternal grandparents, William and Barbara Bramble; her paternal grandparents, James Shanks and Joyce Lakey; her step-grandmother, Sandy Shanks, all of Terre Haute; her aunts and uncles, James and Bev Bramble of West Terre Haute, Ind., Mary Ann Bramble of Tybee Island, Ga., Paula and James Dowd of Grifton, N.C., William and Jill Bramble of Canton, Ga., and Paula Shanks of Huntertown, Ind. Many cousins also survive, including Ellen Bramble Stolyar of San Diego, Calif., Mauri and William Long of Tybee Island, Ga., Corrine Dowd of Grifton, N.C., Laureal Shanks of Huntertown, Ind., and Michael Elkins of Terre Haute, Ind.

Donations in Ms. Shanks' memory may be sent to the AARK Foundation, 107 Twining Bridge Rd., Newtown, Pa. 18940; the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Tributes, 110 Fifth Ave., 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10011 or to the American Heart Association.

Private graveside services were conducted Sept. 2 at Calvary Cemetery in Terre Haute, Ind.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 8, at the George School Meeting House, 1690 Langhorne-Newtown Rd. (Rt. 413), Newtown, Pa.