Laura was a Mother, Daughter, Sister, Teacher and Best Friend. She was a beautiful person and a unique personality - a life force. She touched many lives and leaves behind many lasting memories.

Born on February 28th, 1961, and raised in Larchmont, New York, Laura graduated from Mamaroneck High School in 1979. She loved ice-skating, working with children and her son, Michael, age 27 whom she leaves behind. Six years ago she went abroad to follow her dreams. She studied in Seville, Spain to pursue a career in teaching English, fell in love with the city and decided to call it home. Laura ultimately earned the title of Professor of English and taught the language to the Spanish-speaking citizens of Seville. She was very happy in both her profession and her new home.

Tragically, on August 30th, 2010, Laura's life was cut short when she was brutally murdered by a deranged citizen of the city that she so loved. The horrific circumstances of her death have left those of us who knew her in shock.

Laura leaves behind a message to follow your dreams, to laugh, to love, and to open your heart to the least amongst us. Her message was simple: "Live life to the fullest, enjoy life, enjoy people and enjoy all that is around you".

Laura, we will always remember your infectious smile, your passion for life and the way your presence would light up the room.

We will never forget the happy times - the laughter and the tears. Nor will we ever forget the love for life that you possessed and how you helped us to see it for ourselves.

Until we meet again,
Your family and your friends

Due to the tremendous financial burden placed on the family who was not prepared for this horrific incident, we kindly ask for any contribution that you would be willing to make to help defray the legal costs that will be incurred. The legal system in Spain requires that the victim's family retain their own lawyer, private investigator, medical, psychiatric and forensic experts, etc. It is our intention to fight for justice in this matter and to see that the monster who committed this crime will get the maximum sentence. As it currently stands, the prosecutor in Spain has brought charges that would only result in a sentence of 10 - 15 years. Our lawyer will see to it that that more charges are brought that will result in a stiffer penalty. But we need your help. Laura was an American citizen and as American citizens we should be appalled by the light sentence that her murderer could potentially receive.

Thank you for your consideration,
The Cerna Family

You can also make donations by check payable to:

Laura Cerna Memorial Fund
6214 Thames Place
Vero Beach, Fl. 32966


For those of you who would like to visit Laura's Facebook page to post a message you can copy and paste the following link: http://bit.ly/aqvmC5