Laurie Brekke of Atlantic Highlands, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, at the age of 59. Despite her unwavering determination and spirit, she ultimately succumbed to cancer after a courageous battle over the past year. The exceptional care provided by the staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Riverview Hospital, and support of friends and family, gave her strength and hope during this time.
Born on October 31st, 1964, Laurie grew up in Cranford, NJ. From an early age, she exhibited a remarkable zest for life and a creative, independent spirit that touched everyone around her.
In 2000, she married Vidar Brekke, and they made their home in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, where they built a life together with their daughter Charlie at the center.
Laurie attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and spent much of her corporate career in AT&T’s marketing and advertising division. Following the birth of Charlie 18 years ago, she chose to become a stay-at-home mother to provide Charlie with devoted care during her formative years. They were like two peas in a pod, understanding each other in a way that words couldn’t capture. Laurie was Charlie’s rock—always there to guide, nurture, and support her from the moment she was born, through every school milestone, and in every adventure they shared.
She generously volunteered her time at Atlantic Highlands Elementary School, most notably co-founding the Tiger Patch Learning Garden with her close friend Hope Hanlon, which remains a favorite feature among students and teachers. She gave a heartfelt speech at TEDxNavesink about their learning garden project, which is memorialized on YouTube. Laurie was well-known and cherished in the community for her generous spirit, can-do attitude, and unwavering humor.
Laurie was exceptionally creative, and enjoyed success at designing beautiful jewelry and making her own organic skincare products. She also found time to take on administrative work at Henry Hudson Regional School and the Middletown Board of Education.
As Charlie prepared for high school, Laurie decided to create a business from one of her greatest passions: knitting. She co-founded “Mother Knitter” with Vidar, and together they built her passion into a successful business, importing her favorite Norwegian yarn and selling it to thousands of fellow crafters and hundreds of retailers across the USA.
Laurie is survived by her husband Vidar, her daughter and best friend Charlie, her parents Rima and Myron Borden, her sister Suzanne Borden, and her adoring pets Freya, Cilvi, Hiro, and Storm. She is also survived by her extended family: aunt Diane Ginsberg, aunt and uncle Stacey and Dennis Borden, and cousins David Ginsberg (Caryn), Steven Ginsberg (Amy), Aaron Borden (Elina), and Jared Borden (Brittany). Laurie leaves behind a village of friends and family who will honor her memory by continuing to support Charlie as she embarks on her college journey this fall and beyond.
In lieu of flowers, Laurie wished for friends and loved ones to make a donation to Charlie’s education fund. Donations can be made out to “The Charlie Brekke Beneficiary Trust” and mailed to: Charlie Brekke, 36 E Lincoln Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716.
A memorial open house will be held at the family home, 36 E Lincoln Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, on Saturday, July 20th, from one to five o’clock.