Obituary of Laura Treman Almquist

Laura (Lolly) Treman Almquist

9/9/1934 – 3/28/2023

Lolly was born in Ithaca, New York, to Robert and Carolyn Treman and grew up there with younger sister Carol, her life-long friend and confidante. Lolly attended Westover School in Connecticut and returned to Ithaca to major in English at Cornell. There she met her beloved husband John, to whom she was married for 66 years until his death last year.

After moving to Tucson in 1958, she was active in the Junior League of Tucson and in volunteer work for several health and welfare organizations. In 1971, she was appointed to the State Welfare Board for a five-year term. She went on to chair major task forces affecting children’s services in three subsequent gubernatorial administrations. Lolly also served two terms on the Tucson Unified School District governing board during the tumultuous days of desegregation.

Although most have never met her, thousands of Arizona’s children and families have had their lives changed for the better by Lolly and her devotion to their well-being, education, and mental health.

She also served as a Cornell University Trustee, on the University Medical Center Board of Directors, and as Chair of the Junior League of Tucson. Among her many board memberships were: The Pima Council on Aging, Tucson Airport Authority, Northern Trust Bank, Tucson Urban League, the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona, the Educational Enrichment Foundation, Las Doñas, the Silver and Turquoise Ball, St Mark’s Presbyterian Church, and the Children’s Action Alliance. She was proud to have served as treasurer of three of Gabby Gifford’s political campaigns.

Lolly believed deeply that her service to the community was an outward expression of her faith. Her long-standing church family of St Mark’s Presbyterian Church served as a point of inspiration and education she would lean on for guidance in seeking compassionate justice in her community work.

Lolly was the epitome of grace and elegance. She spoke from the heart and was always ready with a hug and a heartfelt thank-you note. She will be remembered as a caring sister, wife, mother, Grammy, aunt, and friend. Lolly is survived by her sister Carol des Cognets, her half-brother John Coffin (Karen), her children Peter (Marty), Kristin, Art (Amy), her grandchildren Matt (Allison) and Chris, and her nephews Robert (Erin) and Duncan (Debbie) and their families.

A celebration of Lolly’s life will be held on April 15th at 10 am at St Mark’s Presbyterian Church, 3809 East 3rd Street, in Tucson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Almquist Fund at the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona (cfsaz.org/give/your-fund) , 5049 E Broadway Blvd #201, Tucson, AZ 85711 

or  St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church (stmarksaz.org/give) in Tucson.