Laura Dean Mathews

Laura Dean Mathews of New Cumberland passed away on Dec. 18. An accomplished photographer, she worked for 15 years at the Patriot-News in that capacity and as a supervisor in the photo department. She was 50.

She took a buyout from the newspaper in 2008 and started a business that centered on her other passion: gardening. She created a gardening blog and was a staunch supporter of sustainable, healthy foods. Her garden at her New Cumberland home drew raves for its creativity, beauty and uniqueness.

Born in West Lafayette, Ind., Laura was drawn to the arts at an early age. She first worked as a photographer at her hometown newspaper, the Lafayette Journal and Courier. She was more than just a left-brain person, however. She graduated from Purdue University with a degree in political science and continued to be a strong supporter of a variety of progressive causes.

She came to Central Pennsylvania in 1991, initially working as a photographer for the York Dispatch. She quickly made a name for herself as a passionate newsperson – someone who worked tirelessly to document people’s lives through stunning, powerful photographs.

She also took on the rigors of daily photojournalism with the same passion. When the Harrisburg region was hit by flooding in 1996, Laura was on the scene donning wade boots to get potent images. She did so even knowing that her own house in Harrisburg had been flooded.

She enjoyed all parts of the job, capturing of unique images, working with hard-charging reporters and mentoring young photographers — all the while handling deadline pressures with an inspiring coolness. She also created close and enduring friendships. Laura was admired and loved by the Patriot-News family. She was known both for her outgoing personality and her magnetic smile.

She brought those same qualities to her work as a garden communicator, creating an indelible impression on the vast, yet, tight-knit gardening community both locally and nationally. Through her gardening blog “Punk Rock Gardens” – which aimed to help demystify gardening and farming with a punk, do-it-yourself ethos – Laura created a national name for herself, attending and photographing high-profile garden shows and conferences.

Her career took second place to only thing: family. She is survived by her two children, Gabrielle, 22, and Asa, 11, who were the lights of her life. Her brothers Christopher and Phillip of West Lafayette also survive her.

A memorial service celebrating Laura’s life and creative spirit will be held on Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. at Unity Church located at 927 Wertzville Road in Enola, Penn. 17025. A luncheon will follow immediately after the service. Please RSVP to the memorial service and the luncheon at http://whoozin.com/FC4-G6M-RPDD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a fundraising effort to assist Laura’s children at https://www.gofundme.com/j4fyzbh8. Funds will be used to cover funeral costs and any remaining funds will go directly to benefit Gabby and Asa.

To honor Laura’s love of sustainability and gardening, contributions can also be made in her name to the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture at https://www.pasafarming.org/get-involved/donate.

To send messages of condolence to Laura’s family or for driving directions, please visit www.Parthemore.com