Laura L. Dorenfest

Service : Monday, October 12th at 2:00 pm
Service Location: Graveside Service
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights

Shiva Information

The Family will be receiving condolences at:
The Continental Restaurant
780 S. Buffalo Grove Road
Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089

Monday 3 PM – 6 PM

Contributions
Elawa Farm
http://www.elawafarm.org/donate
Frontera Farmer Foundation
http://www.rickbayless.com/foundation
or
the charity of your choice

Laura Dorenfest passed away peacefully. Beloved daughter of Mary Ellen (nee Hill) Dorenfest and the late Sheldon Dorenfest; devoted sister and favorite sparring partner of Lisa (Fabio Mucchi); darling niece of the late Harriet (nee Dorenfest) and Raymond Resnick; treasured cousin of Bonnie (Alan) Adam, and Justin Ross, Penny Resnick (Peter), Rebecca, and Jessica Blanton, the late David Dorenfest, Julie (Ted) Kay, Luann (Alvin) Firestein, Eddie Fink, Patty Fink, and Casey Fink. Laura was a proud graduate of Lake Forest High School and Indiana University, where she earned her undergraduate degree, followed by an MBA from Loyola University Chicago. She began her career in the fashion industry before finding her true professional calling in healthcare consulting. Starting under the guidance of her father at Sheldon I. Dorenfest and Associates, she enjoyed a remarkable career as a respected project manager and consultant in healthcare information technology, leading Epic and other clinical system implementations for health systems across the country. Laura was also deeply involved in her professional community. She served as President of the Chicago Health Executives Forum and remained active on its Past Presidents’ Advisory Board for more than two decades, and she served on the American College of Healthcare Executives’ Regent’s Advisory Council. She shared her knowledge with the next generation as an adjunct instructor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her expertise, leadership, and dedication left a lasting impact on the organizations and colleagues fortunate enough to work with her. Outside of her career, Laura embraced life with a sense of adventure, curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm. She was The Who’s biggest fan, attending countless performances across states, countries, and years. She was an extensive world traveler who enjoyed exploring destinations around the globe. Laura also loved cooking classes, fine dining, and spending time with good friends and extended family. Friends and family were at the heart of Laura’s life. She extended the concept of family to include cousins-in-law, grandparents of cousins, and variations on a theme. In her early years, she took charge of flying her grandfather back and forth from Fort Myers to Chicago. In more recent times, every trip to Sarasota included an outing with her cousin-in-law, Bradley Ross. She especially loved the holidays and could always be found making the most of any celebration that was meaningful to her large circle. She had a wonderful appreciation for traditions, togetherness, and the simple joy of being surrounded by the people she loved. Laura will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Memorial donations in her name can be made to her favorite charities: Elawa Farm www.elawafarm.org/donate, Frontera Farmer Foundation www.rickbayless.com/foundation or to the charity of your choice. Graveside service, Monday, October 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. For the link to view the service, shiva information and to leave condolences: www.shalommemorial.org.