Laura Hollister-Takashima

August 27, 1947 – June 17, 2024 - Laura Hollister-Takashima passed away peacefully in her home on June 17, 2024.

She was born on August 27, 1948 to Anna Sue and Jack Hollister in Portland, Oregon. She spent her formative years in Canby and later moved to Eugene, Oregon where she graduated from South Eugene High School. Laura attended the University of Oregon and graduated with a degree in Liberal Arts, with a focus in photography and journalism. Soon after, she moved to Oahu, Hawaii where she taught art and journalism at the Star of the Sea School.

After two years, Laura moved back to Oregon and began working for Nike. She was instrumental in opening and managing one of the first Blue Ribbon Sports stores, “The Athletic Department,” in Georgetown, DC in the late ’70s. After several years with Nike, she formed her own company, Material Source. She supplied materials to the sports apparel industry with a focus on polar fleece, buttons, and zippers. She succeeded in representing manufacturers from all over the world such as New York, Montreal, Milan, Switzerland, and China. Later, Laura sold her business to follow her passion for Interior Design, starting Hunter Lane Design Interiors for homes and restaurants.

On a Valentine's Day visit to the veterinarian with her two cats in 1989, she met her future husband, Gregg Takashima (the veterinarian). A year later, they married in Portland and shared 35 beautiful years together. Laura and Gregg loved exploring and discovering many delicious “hole-in-the-wall” restaurants. They traveled the world to Copenhagen, Toronto, Cartagena, Geneva, Northern Italy, South Africa, Peru, and Hawaii, where they enjoyed entertaining or being entertained by their friends. Her most beloved treasure was her home, a sanctuary that she found one day while “exploring.” Laura spent years thoughtfully designing and tending to every nook and cranny of her house and garden. She created a beautiful sanctuary that she shared enthusiastically and lovingly with friends and family. Laura was kind and sweet to all she met. She was funny and had an infectious laugh. She loved animals, and you would always find a dog or cat or two running alongside her. Laura was a wonderful Auntie to all who needed one and was the best pie maker ever!

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: www.lls.org