Laura Jo Briley passed away Thursday evening, September 5, 2013 at her home in Tulsa, OK surrounded by her loving family and friends. Laura was born March 19, 1948 in Tulsa, beautiful daughter of Milton and MaryJane (McNeil) Heidinger.



She attended Edison High School and Oklahoma Baptist University.

Laura's love for adventure and travel started early as she became a flight attendant for American Airlines based in New York City. In 1976 she became the President and owner of Day Schools, Inc., focusing on early childcare at her centers in Tulsa. In 1990, Laura became aware of the misfortune of orphanages in Romania which began her journey as an international advocate, educator and consultant for Early Childhood Development and has worked tirelessly on behalf of toddlers and infants and their caregivers around the world. She recently edited and published a beautiful book, Being With Infants & Toddlers on the subject. Laura's philosophy of respectful care, treating the child as an individual, has been and will continue to be a positive force for children all over the world.



Laura was a vibrant, energetic person, and loved meeting people. She was an avid golfer, skier and runner and she walked hundreds of miles at River Park with her beloved dogs Rocky and JoJo.



She is survived by her loving husband Bob Briley, with whom she had just celebrated their 10th anniversary; her mother Mary Jane Heidinger; step-son Cory Briley and wife Meridith, grandchildren Jack and Anna; brother Craig Heidinger and wife Pat; nephew Nic Heidinger; niece Laura Skoch and husband Eddie, grandnieces Lucy & Olivia; and countless close, wonderful fr iends, colleagues and family. Special thanks go to her close friend, Pam Summers, who tirelessly supported her through her final journey. Laura was so loved and will truly be missed.



In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pikler/Loczy

Fund USA,c/o Day Schools, Inc., 2437 S. Sheridan, Tulsa, OK 74129 USA, www.pikler.org . Visitation will be 12 Noon-4 PM, Sunday, September 8, 2013 at Moore?s Rosewood Chapel, 2570 S. Harvard, and from 9 AM-9 PM, Monday, September 9 and Tuesday, September 10 at Moore?s Rosewood. Memorial Service will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. Moore?s Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com