​Laurie K. Neeper, 72, Of Bel Air

Laurie K. Neeper, 72, of Bel Air, passed away on Oct. 1, 2017, at John's Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore. Born in Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Warren Harrison Gift and Mary Jean (Stone) Gift and was the beloved wife of the late Dale Hudson Neeper. She was a graduate of Bucks County Schools in Pennsylvania, received her Bachelor's Degree from Transylvania University in Kentucky, and her Master's Degree from Towson State University.

She worked for the Harford County school system for 40 years, teaching music to many children. Most of her career was spent at John Archer School. She finished out her career at Prospect Mill Elementary School teaching band and orchestra. Her extreme generosity and love of children and teaching was so clearly evident, and in 1977, Laurie was named Maryland State Teacher of the Year, second in the Nation, and eventually was also inducted into the Harford County Teacher's Hall of Fame.

She and her late husband Dale ran the Ridge Swim Club in Mt. Airy for 25 summers. After retirement she enjoyed teaching private music lessons at home, spending time with family and friends, volunteering at Christ Our King Church, and working with "Band Together," a local organization that helps children obtain musical instruments.

Mrs. Neeper is survived by her only daughter, Angie A. Picarello and son-in-law, David Picarello of Bel Air; Grandpuppy, Cash Picarello; three sisters-in-law, Lois Ann Gift of Cardiff, CA, Edie Neeper of Bel Air, and Millie Neeper of Perry Hall; brother-in-law Roy (Carole) Neeper of Bel Air.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Robin Hoffman, brother Steven Gift, and brothers-in-law Paul Neeper and Don Neeper.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Harford County Humane Society, 2208 Connoly Road, Fallston, MD 21047 or to Band Together of Harford County.

- Obituary from McComas Funeral Home