More than 700 attend memorial for Springs mother, 3 young daughters

More than 700 friends, co-workers and residents packed an Antlers Hilton Hotel ballroom on Wednesday for a public memorial for the Colorado Springs mother and her three adopted daughters who died in a flood in Wyoming.

Laurel Constantinides, 38, Hannah, 8, Zoe, 5, and Lucy, 2, drowned July 19 when their van was swept off a highway that had been washed out by a creek swollen by snow melt and heavy rains as the family fled a campground authorities had ordered evacuated.

The only survivor was Alex Constantinides, a 39-year-old physician, who sat in the front row, facing large photos of his wife and three children the couple adopted from China and Korea.

Alex Constantinides did not speak at the memorial. He was credited with saving another driver whose vehicle was swept into the creek and was trapped by the floodwaters.

Jen Winkelmann, a co-worker of Laurel's at Chinese Children Adoption International, was one of eight who delivered eulogies at the memorial, held two days after the funeral in Laurel's hometown of Wheatland, Wyo.

“I don’t know what is going to happen,” Winkelmann said, "but Laurel still sparkles.”

The speakers’ podium was decorated with orange and red parasols, and brightly colored Chinese lanterns hung from the ceiling.

In between the speeches, the sounds of crying, soft and constant, could be heard from the mourners. Parents consoled children with cookies and lemonade.

Through the sadness, the memories of laughter and good times emerged.

The Constantinides’ neighbor, Katherine Spicer, recalled how she admired Laurel’s “timeless, spunky style and enviable shoes.”

Spicer, whose 7-year-old daughters were friends with the Constantinides' girls, remembered Hannah’s wisdom and little Zoe’s zest. She described Lucy, the youngest girl who was a surprise addition to the family, as the cheese on the Constantinides’ macaroni.

Laurel, a social worker who helped families adopt children, was remembered by all for her upbeat and supportive manner. She helped Andy Leong adopt three of his children from China, and empathized with him over the trials of adoption.

“Laurel radiated safety,” Leong said. “She wasn’t just doing her job, she was a friend who could always identify with you.”

Each speaker represented a part of the Constantinides' circle.

Neighbors and baby sitters from Colorado and Wyoming recalled the exuberance of the daughters. Parents who had also adopted children from China spoke about Alex and Laurel’s commitment as parents.

Laurel's sister, Kyla Carlson, spoke last, thanking the hundreds who came for their support. She recalled how her sister used to cheer up her daughters, by encouraging them to pluck their tears from their cheeks and throw them away.

“This process may take years,” Carlson said. “But when you are done crying, I ask you to throw your tears away.”

Donations may be made in honor of the Constantinides family to Half the Sky Foundation, an adoption organization with orphanages in China, at halfthesky.org.