Laura "Dolly" Margaret Fenner

Laura "Dolly" Fenner, 83, of Concord, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025 peacefully in her home.

Laura was born August 14, 1941 in New York to the late John and Grace Watkins. 

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Richard "Dick"; daughter, Donna; and son, Jason.

Laura lived in Endwell, New York where she then relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina through an IBM transfer. While raising 5 children, she was a key member of the IBM Charlotte startup, where she pioneered women in technological fields by becoming the first female production line manager for IBM's keyboard division. After 25 years of employment with IBM, Laura then took early retirement before returning to the technology field becoming an HR director for Sound Choice, Inc., the oldest karaoke brand in the United States. As HR Director, she led the company into a Fortune 500 status in record time. 

Laura was a lover of playing card games with family and friends, such as Canasta and Hand and Foot. She loved creating works of art with her hands such as painting ceramics and her special Santa Claus figures, where she was detail-oriented in adding all of her family members names on Santa's list. Laura loved cruises, vacationing in Hawaii, and traveling all of Europe. There were no borders when it came to family, as she traveled thousands of miles to visit some of her family members stationed overseas. Wherever her family was, Laura and Dick always enjoyed visiting, regardless of the distance. Laura's love for her family was unmatched. It was important to Laura and Dick to share the dream of magic with all of their grandchildren at Disney World; where they would celebrate each of their 7th birthdays, totaling a span of 8 Disney trips in 15 years. Though a survivor of cancer herself, Laura's labor of love was extended to caring for her husband and her daughter through their terminal illnesses. 

In her last days, though she was slowed down from her illness, she greatly enjoyed the outdoors and front porch sitting with family and friends, where she could feel engaged with her community and the world around her. 

Laura will always be greatly loved and missed by her family and life-time friends. She will be remembered as an amazing Mom and Nanny. 

Survivors include son, Jeffrey Fenner (Kristie); daughters, Laurie Bruce (Rob) and Karen Taylor (Barry); 8 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Fenner family.