Laura Rae Phagan

Laura R. Phagan (Laurae), 91, of Mount Airy, Maryland, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Kline Hospice House in Mount Airy, MD. She was the beloved wife of Fred H. Phagan for 56 years, until his death in 2024.

Born on February 10, 1934, in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of Edward A. Poling and Odessa M. (Compton) Poling.

Laurae grew up in Silver Spring, MD, where she attended Blair High School. After high school, she was employed by the telephone company and married her first husband and had two children, Roland (Ron) and Kimberly. She later married her husband Fred and moved first to Monrovia, MD, in 1967 and then to Mount Airy, MD, in 1975. Laurae and Fred had two daughters, Laura and Kelley, and Laurae enjoyed being an at-home mom.

Laurae was “the life of the party”, always upbeat and funny. Laughter was a big part of every day. She was artistic, known for her murals and interior decorating. She loved cooking, and many friends remember her signature dishes. She loved music and travel and was always spontaneous. Later in life, spending time with her four grandchildren were some of her happiest moments. They will remember her best for her silliness, her craftiness, and her chicken and dumplings.

She is survived by her four children: Roland D. Kerns (Ron), Kimberly Kerns Alu, Kelley Phagan Welty, Laura L. Phagan, four grandchildren: Reilly A. Altman, Thatcher L. Alu, Ethan P. Welty, Owen H. Welty, one great-grandchild Brooks S. Altman, and brother William Compton Poling, Sr. and preceded in death by her other brother James E. Poling.

The family will receive friends to celebrate the lives of both Laurae and Fred (d. March 2, 2024) from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A., 1621 Opossumtown Pike in Frederick, MD.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Somerford Place Frederick who cared for her in her last few years.

Memorial donations may be made to Kline Hospice House, 7000 Kimmel Road, Mt. Airy, MD, 21771.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com