Laurel Coward, 54, of Beaumont, died Saturday, July 19, 2014, in Beaumont. She was born on July 16, 1960, to Elodie Picou and Jim Ford, and had been a lifelong resident of the area. Laurel was a Regional H.R. Manager with Fiserv. She was a world traveler and bravely fought an eight and half year battle with brain cancer.

She is survived by her daughter, Heather Bartocci and her husband, Chris, of Rochester, New York; son, Cody Coward of Houston; grandchildren, Sophia Bartocci, Rocco Bartocci, Ava Bella Bartocci, and Stella Bartocci; mother, Elodie Picou and stepfather, Tony Picou of Fannett; friend and companion, Jeff Coward of Beaumont; and best friend for forty years, Susan Cantrell.

A Gathering of Remembrance for Ms. Coward will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 24, 2014, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.  Her committal was held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.