Laura H. (Lindsay) Hespos

Wharton:  Laura H. Hespos passed away peacefully on December 24, 2022 at VNA Hospice at St. Clare's Hospital in Dover. She was 60 years of age.

Laura was a mother who offered unconditional love. She was devoted to our two adopted children, and she dedicated her time and energy to selfless service as a family member. As her husband, Laura taught me what it means to be well loved. Sadly a few years ago, her mind started degenerating, and various parts of her brain shut down for unknown reasons. She was afflicted with early-onset dementia. She tried in vain to fight the disease that eventually claimed her. We were married almost 25 years.

She had a few lucid moments as she lost ability to do things she used to do. As the dementia progressed to advanced stages, she lost her ability to speak, but at one point, she blurted out “there is a sickness in my mind.” At these advanced stages, we would hold each other sitting on the couch. She would utter a few words or phrases, and I could understand her. I believed that she was remembering our memories from better times and carrying the past into the present as if the dementia never happened.

In her working career, Laura was a Senior Designer at a NJ medical device company. In 2005, she became a stay-at-home mother of our special needs children. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science - Mechanical Engineering from County College of Morris. In addition, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Studies – Drafting Technology (Computer Aided Design) from Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica, NY.

Dementia refers to a syndrome that is characterized by progressive deterioration of cognitive functions. Alzheimer’s, one type of dementia, is the 6th leading cause of death, and the only cause of death in the top 10 without a cure. Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is the most common form of dementia for people under the age of 60. It strikes in the prime of life, gradually eroding an individual’s personality: their ability to speak, make sound decisions, control their movements, behave within social norms and relate to those they love. FTD devastates familial relationships, finances and even the health of family caregivers themselves. Currently there are no approved treatments, and most providers lack knowledge of appropriate care. Average life expectancy is even to 13 years after the start of symptoms.

The photo shows Laura on a good day. She was in a wheelchair and looking out a large window. Laura was 60 years old. She was born to Mary and John Lindsay in Syracuse, NY. She is survived by husband Michael, daughter Deryn, son Alexander, sister Patricia, and two brothers, John and Jamey.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to help find a cure at The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration: https://www.theaftd.org

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