Wednesday afternoon at just before 2:30 pm, I found out that one of my dearest friends Laurie Manny is no longer with us. She was taken from us suddenly and unexpectedly.
Laurie was a New Yorker
Even though Laurie has made her name as the queen of Long Beach real estate, the reason I start with this, is because when you think of all the fire and energy that New Yorkers have, you’ll understand a bit of what it was like being around Laurie.
- She had passion and strong convictions, especially when it came to the real estate industry.
- She had the desire and will to change the world.
- She wanted to do what was right.
- She wanted people to think, not follow blindly.
Laurie was an extremely loyal friend
I could always count on Laurie to be there for me whether it was just a quick chat to say hello or to lend a helping had and provide advice on issues that I was dealing with. She was a bit of a mother hen… always wanting to make sure that everyone was fine. And, I knew that she always had my back.
First time I met Laurie at Long Beach on Active Rain's 1st Anniversary. From Left: Ana Connell, Laurie Manny and I.
Laurie was a connector
Laurie had a knack for bringing people together. Interesting, as I reflect on the last several years and the trials and tribulations that she, I and a group of other real estate friends went through with starting our real estate blogs, Laurie was always the one sending emails, asking questions and prodding us along to make the right decisions. She had a special relationship with each of us and was able to bring us all together time after time after time. There was not a month that would go by without her connecting with us and reminding us that we had each other to fall back on.
Laurie was a mentor
Laurie in power red with Ricardo Bueno and Ana Connell
Laurie was always learning, sharing and teaching. She was the one that truly helped me along with my blogging efforts at the very beginning and every day since… Not only did she share with me, but she shared with the entire real estate community. I remember when she stopped by the REBarCamp in Pasadena that I was organizing last year and made a passionate closing session speech about our industry, where it is going and how we need to be in charge of our own destiny. The picture above is from the evening after the REBarCamp when we were all relaxing in Old Pasadena.
There is just so much to say about Laurie and it is so hard to write right now… Laurie will be forever in my heart…
Laurie was one of a kind… Laurie was Laurie…
A unique and strong voice in a sea of anonymity.
And… I’m lucky to say that she was my friend…
Laurie, I will miss you dearly… Rest in peace girlfriend.
UPDATE: If you’d like to send a card to Laurie’s family, please send it to the address below:
Manny Family
c/o Colleen Kulikowski
Keller Williams Realty
4955 N. Bailey Avenue Suite 100
Buffalo NY 14226
I remember when we first met at the Active Rain meetup in Long Beach. She met Johanna there too. It was a great time then, it was a great time at the REBarcamp and it was a always a great time with Laurie.
I’m shocked to say the least and I will truly miss her.
Too many memories… the fun we had… Laurie’s passion lives on through her teachings and the memories we share. Thanks Ricardo for sharing yours.
Irina- You have captured the spirit of Laurie… She was passionate about life, real estate, the art of blogging and her friends.
Cheers to Laurie – she will be missed by so many. I was so looking forward to having a martini with her soon. I loved to listen to her – she shared so much.
Although never having the pure pleasure of meeting Laurie, people like her DO make life more fulfilling and remarkable. There ain’t nothing like a true New Yorker! Love them.
Ricardo, your words are beautiful, genuine and full of gratitude. What a blessing you and Laurie connected, then and forever. Thank you for sharing…
Irina, She was an amazing woman and yes, passion and loyalty a 2 of the first words that comes to mind when I think of her. I miss her so much already!!! Thank you for sharing your pic and memories with us.
Laurie was very dedicated to her work, as well to her friends. I recall a two hour visit on the phone (a few times), one being even Christmas Eve – she was very helpful and always sharing tips! So glad to see so many speaking up, she was a very nice woman and smart!
Thank you for the nice thoughts. Laurie was one of my first contacts on ActiveRain back in 2007. I wish I could have met her. Just tragic.
@AkronOhioHomes
This is a wonderful tribute Irina. That photo above of Laurie is the night I actually met her in real life. Although we had known each other since 2006, it was at your Bar Camp in Pasadena I got to meet her and see her speak..I just got such a kick out of her personality. I was so intimidated to introduce myself, a little scared even..but she recognized me, gave me a hug, and asked me to sit with her for a few moments and talk..our feet were killing us from the awesome day. There is a void without her..she will be sorely missed. Hugs to you Irina!
Irina,
Thanks for putting this together. What I really liked about Laurie is she told it like it was. No beating around the bush with her.
@RealtorTed
I remember some fun times and great conversations with Laurie. She would sometimes jokingly say ” Hiya’ Choo Choo!” Of course, I would say.. How are ya’ Beach Bunny?
Laurie had a great way with words and lived life with a very cool style all her own.
I will miss my friend…
Thanks for the cool post, Irina.
Nice post, Irina. I love the photo.
Did anyone capture her remarks on video? I would love to hear what she said. I can’t believe she is gone. She had a wonderful prism on the real estate industry.
Irina,
This is a very nice tribute to Laurie. I will really miss her too. We had talked just last month about getting a bunch of us “old timers” together and having dinner & drinks soon. I last saw her when I invited her to the OC WordPress meetup in July. We tried to meet for dinner, but the traffic was heavy so we ran out of time. We were planning to try again this Monday.
Laurie was a very special lady that will leave a big hole in many hearts!
Wow….
Irina,
I loved Laurie dearly. She was my friend and sister. One thing I loved about her was her strength and passion towards everything and everyone.
Mana, I know that Laurie had a special place in her heart for you. And… yes… you couldn’t find a stronger lady.
Colleen, almost every conversation that I ever had with Laurie, your name came up… she loved you so.
Vicki, thank you… we were just talking about traffic last week at REBarCamp OC… we do let that get in the way of getting together here in California. Need to change that… Yes… a HUGE hold in our hearts.
Thank you Frances. I spent 2 hours yesterday morning looking for a photo of me and Laurie sitting on that couch and couldn’t find. However, I did find one where she and I met for the first time on Laurie’s AR blog. Will pull it and update it here.
Unfortunately, we were not taping Laurie the day of our first REBarCamp in LA. She literally flew into the room, and lit the audience on fire… typical Laurie… there was no stopping her. As she was talking, I still remember, she looked at me and winked, gave me her special little smile and just kept going. We had an amazing dinner afterwards and talked about totally non-real estate related stuff. Oh… all the memories…
Sounds so like Laurie Nick… so glad that you could share this with us.
Ted, she sure did… and you better have agreed with her or had a major discussion on your hands… had a few myself.
Laura, thank you… yes… I remember what a great night it was. Hugs right back at you Laura!
David, thank you… I remember many of your comments on Laurie’s posts and vice versa.
Candace, yes… she was an amazing lady. She always knew how to do her research. I believe she told me about one of your conversations when she and I were discussing DS.
Cyndee… you summed it up… Passion and Loyalty… that was Laurie!
Elaine, she will be missed.
Kaye, thank you… it means a lot to me especially coming from you.
Irina, my sincere apologies…I was looking at the sweet pic of you, Laurie and Ribeezie and wrote his name instead. =) This is such a lovely written tribute to one who meant so much to many. Peace and love…
Carin, no worries at all… I knew what you meant. Thanks for stopping by!
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Hi Irina,
Thank you for this. What a lovely woman to know. I’m sorry I never had the opportunity to meet her.
Best,
Kim
Kim, I wouldn’t call Laurie lovely… somehow it doesn’t quite apply. She was fierce and smart and amazing! And, yes… you would have so enjoyed meeting her.
Laurie’s Mom Helen and my Mom Carol were school chums and my Mom was always getting Helen introuble. When both ladies married and had children (Laurie and myself) we would have get togethers so the old friends could chat and reminise while we got into all sorts of trouble. My greatest recollection was of my brother and I setting Laurie and her sister adrift in a rowboat w/ no oars in the surf of Cape Cod Bay. Laurie’s Dad asked us what had happened when we returned to the house drenched and we made up this whopper of a tale about a wave breaking too close to shore and getting us all wet! Laurie and I had just recently reconnected now that we were both west coasters transplanted from NY and she was a great source of support when I lost both my Mother and my brother within 7 months of each other. Even though we never reconnected in person I always felt she was no further than an email away. I will miss her, pray for strength and healing for her family and treasure her as one of my fondest childhood memories.
Ron, so nice of you to share your childhood memories with us. It’s really touching!
I finally was able to meet Laurie’s sister, brother and dad at her Memorial. What a nice family.
Connie and I were renters of Laurie’s prior to her getting into real estate. We considered her as a close friend and we will miss her. It was great watching her grow into the real estate person she became. She struggled at first but from the postings I read we now realize how much she became the heart and soul of what she loved.
Rick and Connie Nelson
Garden Valley, CA
Rick, thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your memories with us.