Laura was born on March 3, 1947 in the Bronx, NY, and died on December 22, 2020 in Arlington, VA. She lived in Washington DC and Northern VA, and often spent summers in Vancouver, BC and winters in Sarasota and Boca Raton, FL.
Laura attended Walton High School in New York City—graduating early at age 16—and Penn State University, majoring in Spanish. After working as a teacher (Spanish and Math), she had her own successful business for many years as a Trademark Researcher.
In 2002, Laura retired with her husband (Stuart Rubens—with whom she was with for 28 years) to travel the world. Together they visited every continent and over 60 countries. They taught and studied language abroad, visiting various Spanish-speaking countries at least once a year to practice the language. Laura enjoyed ethnic/indigenous art and shopping (especially getting a bargain!) and drew people in from all parts of life with her engaging personality and genuine interest in others.
Laura loved visiting museums, experiencing performing arts, attending plays and live shows, and collecting art of all types (particularly textiles). She also enjoyed word games, great food and new restaurants, and just spending time with her family and friends. She truly loved life and will be remembered as warm, vivacious, funny, intelligent, friendly, honest, and witty.
Laura is survived by her husband Stuart Rubens; daughters Erica (David Wynne) and Beth (Jeff Dacanay); grandchildren Andy and Zoe Wynne; stepchildren Suzannah Rubens Hopkins, David Rubens, and Juliane Rubens (and their spouses and children). Laura is preceded in death by her parents Benjamin Biberfeld and Isabel “Zibby” Biberfeld, and her brother Matthew Field. She will be laid to rest at Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington, VA. A celebration of her life is forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Compassion & Choices (compassionandchoices.org), an organization Laura supported, or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
01/14/2021
2:00pm - 3:00pm
We are so saddened to hear the news about Laura. Mal, of course, knew her from birth (they are first cousins) and I met her – a 3 year old – when Zibby was a counselor at Camp Winona in Pennsylvania. Via this obituary, we learned of Matt’s passing also. I can”t imagine how wonderful it was to be raised by Zibby and then for Laura to have 2 daughters of her own. Erica and Beth, you are so fortunate to have been surrounded by two such loving woman.
Mal and Abby Field
We are so saddened to hear the news about Laura. Mal, of course, knew Laura from birth (they are first cousins)and I met her – a 3 year old – when Zibby was a counselor at Camp Winona in Pennsylvania. Via this obituary, we learned of Matt’s passing
also. I can’t imagine how wonderful it was to be raised by Zibby and then for Laura to have daughters of her own. Erica and Beth, you are so fortunate to be surrounded by 2 such loving women.
I will always remember Laura and how much light, fun and laughter she brought to Stu’s life. It was such a joy to see them together! Just knowing how many wonderful times they would be having together as they traveled the world, helped to ease the pain of losing him to early retirement. I loved how he said at the time that although he enjoyed working, it got in the way of their vacations. :) I send my deepest condolences to Stu, Beth and Erica, and the rest of their family. She was an amazing and beautiful lady, and she will be dearly missed.
I am sorry to learn of Laura’s passing. I knew her through the USPTO and another trademark searcher. I enjoyed her good energy, outlook on life here in DC and her wit. She was a source of inspiration.
We will always cherish the memories of many years of wonderful get togethers with Laura and Stu, literally from the time they first met and dated. Laura will be remembered for her love of life and outgoing nature. She will be greatly missed but always be in our hearts.
Love to All – Giles and Elody
Dearest Beth, Erica and Stu,
Alan and I are so very sorry for your loss.
I met Laura when I was 21 , new to Virginia, new to marriage and new to my first teaching job.
Our husbands went to law school at night together while we hung out. We both enjoyed baby Erica who Laura graciously shared with me.
We raised our kids together ,shopped and shopped, decorated and decorated , ate and ate ,and most fun of all , laughed and laughed!
I admired Laura’s good taste and eye for the exotic.
I tried to emulate her but never could match her style.
She was outrageously honest, but the love as a friend was always there.
I adored her mom Zibby and will always remember the summer trips to Southampton.
My happiest memories of motherhood and maturing have Laura in the picture.
She raised two
wonderful girls and lived life to the fullest along with her wonderful and nurturing husband Stu.
I will miss her terribly.
May she Rest In Peace.
Love, Celia💕
Beth and Erica, I am so sorry. Prayers for comfort for you and your family. May your memories bring you comfort and peace. Laura was a wonderful mom and I loved every moment with her when we were growing up. Rest in peace❤
Love you, Blossom.
Wanted to send my condolences to your whole family. I grew up with Laura in the Bronx. I lived on Anthony Ave. We would go to each other’s houses and play. I always remember Laura as such a sweet girl with the prettiest smile. I am so sorry to hear of my old friends passing. I just lost my husband last week to COVID,so please take care of yourselves . I will be thinking of Laura tomorrow which happens to be my husband’s birthday. Stay well!
Loved when Stu and Laura lived in Boca Raton. We would get together for lunch. That is when I caught up on all the family news. Laura told me about some of their travels. My children and I will miss you.
Laurita has the most beautiful heart that I’ve ever seen. For real, I’ve meet extraordinary people but her goodness and capacity to make happy every one around was incomparable. She taught me English and thanks to her and Stu I am here in the United States. She gave me a new opportunity, a new life, I will remember her as a Godmother because she showed up in my life to show me that the magic exists and to give me opportunity and hope
There are people who come into your life for unknown reasons and make you see that there are still humans with a pure heart, I had the joy of meeting Laura in a short period of time, but it was enough for her spirit and that wide smile to remain engraved in my memory, and so it will always live, like a flash of light that will never go out in the memory of all of us who had the joy of knowing her.
Your words spoke so true. We waited impatiently for Laura and Stu’s arrival in Vancouver for their summer visit. The party always started when they arrived.
We miss their visits but will forever remember the wonderful time we spent with them.. May Laura’s memory be for a blessing.
I am saddened by your loss we enjoyed shopping together and she was great at bargaining. Rest in paradise Laura your buddy from Trademarks
Laura was officially my 3rd cousin but we were very close with her, Matty, Aunt Zibby and Uncle Ben while growing up. I remember the long car rides from LI to the Bronx to visit them. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. My deepest condolences to the family. May she RIP.
May the gift of Laura’s life and memories be a blessing to her loved ones and all that miss her. I send my love, prayers, and condolences.