Dr. Laura Bradford Coleman

Laura Potash Russell Coleman

In memory of a woman who touched so many lives as a wife, mother, sister, and friend and through her work as therapist, Dr. Laura Bradford Coleman will be missed. It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Laura who passed away peacefully on May 28, 2023. Beloved wife of Keith Coleman and the late David Russell, loving mother of Tom Cravens (Kimmi) and George Russell (Marisa), dear sister of Jim Potash (Selma), Shelly Satton (the late Jack) and Fran (the late Isaac), loving grandmother to Tom (Emily), Cameron and Mason; our dear aunt, cousin and friend to many.

Laura was born August 22, 1945 in Louisville, Kentucky to parents the late Ester Bernice (Becie) and Leonard Potash. She later pursued studies at the University of Louisville, Tennessee Technological University, and International College, ultimately earning her Ph.D. Laura devoted the entirety of her adult life to helping others. Her philosophy involved "living as fully as possible no matter what is happening in your life." Through this belief about life, she fought through her own physical challenges as a four-time cancer survivor. Laura was also a perpetual student and never stopped educating herself. Early in life Laura was a teacher for students with special education needs and she returned to teaching later in life as life coach. She helped so many people as a trauma wellness coach and developed a course on trauma coaching for children which she taught online for coaching students.

As a scholar and therapist, she had a private practice as a licensed psychologist and wrote a daily blog. Laura's daily Facebook posts often said things like, "Good Morning beautiful souls!!" "We come with nothing, we go with nothing, but one great thing we can achieve in our beautiful life is...a little remembrance in gratitude!" "Birth is not our choice, death is not our choice, but the way we live our life is ABSOLUTELY our choice!"

Laura had a unique understanding of people who experienced feeling out of control and unable to manage their addictions. Laura celebrated more than 50 years of sobriety, and believed strongly in daily affirmations which she relied on in her recovery. During her life, Laura affected many people's lives through her acts of kindness. She had a beautiful, loud, contagious laugh that affected everyone and will always be remembered.

Private memorial service. Contributions in Laura's memory may be made to To Write Love on Her Arms or the charity of your choice. Members of NA and AA are invited to make a contribution to those organizations.

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