Laurel Michelle Galway

Laurel Michelle Galway of Youngstown, OH, was a kind and loving soul who departed this earth on October 21st, 2025. She was and still is a very accomplished person, and if there was ever a thing she wanted to master, she went out and got it done. From completing her small engine pilot’s licence in her 20’s, to finishing her master’s degree in education in her 50’s, Laurel did not let anyone hold her back from what she wanted to accomplish. Laurel was born and raised in western Canada, specifically Alberta and Calgary. She decided to pursue higher education in sunny Hawaii, where she would make her home for the next 30 years. She completed her bachelor's of arts in Photography at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and was musically gifted, having been a lifelong pianist and violinist. One of her gifts was the ability to bring a home alive with music. She would later get into textiles and worked with a range of materials to bring her artistic vision to life. Laurel married in September of 1991 and would go on to become a mother in 1993 with the birth of her eldest daughter, Ella Siobhan Iniki Galway-Severtson. Iniki would be joined by a sister, Wynter Leilani Galway-Severtson, in 1995. Finally, James Tedante Makana O Kea Kua Galway-Severtson would join the family in 1997. Laurel would go on to homeschool all of her children while also maintaining a household and managing a business with her husband, James Sayre Severtson. Laurel went on to achieve her Master’s of Education from Johns Hopkins University and dedicate her passion to teaching special education. She loved the beach, eclectic music, foreign films, all animals more than anyone should, and most of all, her children. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of caring for those who cannot care for themselves, and the endless pursuit of dreams no matter the risk. Laurel will be cremated and laid to rest in her favorite place on earth, Waikiki beach. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations for Laurel’s memorial journey at a gofundme intended to assist with household bills during this time

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Laurel Michelle Galway, please visit our floral store.