Laura Irene Alvarez

Laura Irene Alvarez, 61, of Missoula, passed away on Sunday, May 12th, 2019; surrounded by loved ones in her home, following her battle with cancer.

Born August 9th, 1957 in Missoula, to George and Lois Hedgers; Laura grew up between Missoula and Ravalli Counties. A 2nd-generation Montanan, she spent her youth – in part – on the family ranch established by her grandparents in Clinton. During her High School years in Victor, she was a member of the school band under the tutelage of her favorite teacher, the venerable Mel Gaudin. She would eventually go on to become a third-generation UM graduate, earning a B.F.A. in Costume Design.

While Laura lived most of her years in Montana, she pursued her costuming career after moving to the Southwest; settling and raising her children in Los Angeles, CA. As a successful working member of the IATSE Labor Union, her personal accomplishments in the film and television costume industry are legion.
After returning to Montana, Laura would go on to become a Professor of Costuming at the University of Montana’s Drama Dept., retiring 2015. She also served during this time in the MEA / MFT Union leadership, while simultaneously earning her Master’s degree in Arts and Education.

Her professional talents carried into her hobbies, as she enjoyed textile design and embroidery in particular – A passion she shared with her beloved surviving sister, Ruth Hedgers, in retirement.

Preceded in death by her mother Lois; Laura is survived also by her grandchildren Vida & Jett Avina of Los Angeles, CA; daughter Trisha Avina & son Sa’id Waliyudeen of Missoula; and uncle Rex Flansburg of Clinton.

Memorial services will be held at the Garden City Funeral Home at 1705 W. Broadway, Missoula, on Wednesday, May 22, at 3:00 PM. Burial will be conducted in private by immediate family.