Laura Obie Shahane, 72, of Grand Forks, ND passed away peacefully in her home on September Thursday,  17, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by love, with her daughter and granddaughter by her side.

Laura was born on October 2, 1953, in Lewistown, Montana, the third child of Marlin and Mary Lou (Jones) Obie. When Laura was in second grade, her family moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where she spent the remainder of her childhood. She graduated from Central High School.

Throughout her life, Laura held a variety of jobs, including working at KRAD radio station, which was owned by her father. In the late 1960s, Laura met Tom Benson, and in 1970 they welcomed Laura's only child, her daughter, Tonia.

After Tonia was born, Laura's journey took her to several places, including the states of Washington and Wisconsin, before she eventually returned to her roots and made Grand Forks her home once again.

Not long after returning, Laura began dating Dan Shahane, the love of her life. Laura and Dan were married in August 1987. Together, they built a life filled with simple things that brought them happiness—cooking, spending time at the lake, watching their favorite soap operas, and loving their animals, especially Remmington and Mo.

Laura's lifelong love of animals inspired her to open her own dog grooming business, TLC Dog Grooming.  Caring for animals came naturally to Laura, and throughout her life, animals were never simply pets—they were family.

Laura experienced tremendous loss when Dan passed away in 1993. Years later, she was fortunate to find love and companionship again with Mark Olson. Laura loved going to watch and listen to Mark play in his rock band, combining her love for him with another of her great passions—music. Laura and Mark also enjoyed traveling to the Twin Cities to spend time with Travis and Tonia and Laura's beloved granddaughters, Cally and Carisa. Sadly, Mark passed away in March of 2016.

Few things brought Laura as much joy as animals. Over the years, she loved and cared for many, including Spud, Saphire, Specs, Cinders, Max, Mickey, Lil Bit, Mo, Remmington, Charlie, Jasper, Clover, Rizzo, and Tobi. While she loved animals of every kind, wolves, horses, and cats held an especially tender place in her heart. As a young girl, Laura loved horseback riding, beginning a connection with animals that remained with her throughout her entire life.

Laura was also an excellent cook. She loved watching cooking shows, trying recipes, and preparing delicious food for the people she loved. Her "ooey-gooey" pumpkin bars were a favorite, and she rarely arrived at a family gathering empty-handed. Bringing something to share was simply part of who Laura was—a way she showed her love and cared for those around her.

She loved the holidays, but Halloween held a special place in her heart. Laura embraced every season, decorating her home and dressing for the occasion. Her personality could be seen in what she wore, too—she loved tie-dye, colorful patterns, and anything with a little fun and personality.

When she wasn't cooking, spending time with her animals, or listening to music, Laura could often be found enjoying her favorite television shows and movies. Family Feud, The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful were among her favorites.

Above all, Laura loved her family. She treasured the time she spent with her daughter, Tonia, and took great joy in being a grandmother to Cally and Carisa. Through the joys, changes, and losses she experienced during her life, Laura remained deeply connected to the people and animals she loved.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Marlin and Mary Lou Obie; her sister, Lynda Tronnes; her brothers, Larry and Rob Obie; her daughter's father, Tom Benson; her husband, Dan Shahane; and her longtime companion, Mark Olson.

She is survived by her daughter, Tonia (Travis) Gunderson; her granddaughters, Cally and Carisa Gunderson; her sister, LuAnn (Jeff) Dahl; her brother, Randy (Tina) Obie; her cousin, Jana Obie; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Laura's life was filled with music, good food, colorful holidays, beloved animals, laughter, family, and love. She leaves behind countless memories in the hearts of those who knew her—and a reminder that some of life's greatest joys can be found in a favorite song, a home-cooked meal, the companionship of an animal, and time spent with the people we love.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Memorial Service: 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, in the Norman Funeral Home Chapel.
Family Greeting: One hour prior to the service in the funeral home on Friday.
Interment: Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.

Following the interment, a reception will be held at the Broken Drum in Grand Forks, ND.