Laura Anne Brink

September 21, 1950 – November 20, 2025

Laura Anne (Pedersen) Brink was born on September 21, 1950, in Baldwin Park, California, to Delvin Floyd Pedersen and JoAnne (Stratton) Pedersen. Raised in West Covina with her siblings Barney and Janet, Laura enjoyed playing with dolls, beach outings, and competing with the Bainbridge Swim Club.

A major highlight of Laura’s teens was working as a mermaid on Disneyland’s Submarine Voyage ride, where she also met Walt Disney in person. Laura graduated from Edgewood High School in West Covina, California, in 1968. She studied at Mt. San Antonio College, worked as a phone operator, and later became a secretary.

Laura was a true Southern California girl! The glamour of the Hollywood / L.A. area inspired her love of movies and music (especially the Beatles and classic rock), and she loved to attend concerts. Laura was an avid L.A. Dodger fan, and she would watch the televised games with her Dodger troll doll and fan gear.

Laura was a collector of Clark Gable movie memorabilia, vintage dolls, and oil lamps. She loved to sew and embellished clothing for herself, her husband and her dogs with whimsical patches, sequins, and lace. Laura was also enthusiastic about home décor—she loved decorating for the holidays, enjoyed mermaid motifs, and recently became interested in wall stencils and Banksy-inspired art.

Laura and her husband, Del, traveled to all fifty states and other countries, with Denmark among her favorite trips. They traveled with their dogs and bikes whenever possible. Over time, Laura and Del saved nine dogs that became familiar to residents, caught the attention of visiting tourists, and were even featured in photographs published by the local newspaper. Laura loved her dogs!

In fall 2024, Laura and Del relocated to Solvang, California, a place Laura had wanted to live in since childhood and often visited with Del. The last year of Laura’s life was complicated by the progression of ALS; however, she still enjoyed going into the village with Del and the dogs, sitting in her backyard with a glass of wine and watching the hummingbirds.

Laura was predeceased by her father, Delvin Pedersen; brother, Barney Pedersen; and sister, Janet Ptaszek. She is survived by her husband Del Brink, Mother JoAnne (Stratton) Brothwell, daughter Joanna Cook, nephews James and J.D. Ptaszek, brother-in-law John Ptaszek, stepchildren Jeff and Patty Brink, Michele and Wayne Sutton, and six step-grandchildren: Thomas, Ryan, Elizabeth and Jenna Brink, and Kyle and Riley Sutton.

A visitation will be held at Rose Hills Mortuary, located at 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California, on December 4, 2025, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

A graveside service will follow at Rose Hills Memorial Park, also at 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm on the same day.

Laura Anne Brink will be laid to rest at Rose Hills Memorial Park in the Veterans Memorial Lawn, Section 11, Row 2, Lot 472, Space 4.