Loretta Anne Fisher

In Memory of Loretta Anne (Laurie) Fisher who passed unexpectedly on April 5, 2026 in Asheville, NC at the age of 64.

Laurie lived a life rich with music, community, and joyful imperfection. For nearly three decades, she shared her gifts as a multi-instrumentalist, teacher, and contradance caller, bringing people together through the simple and powerful act of making music and dancing in community. Whether with a fiddle in hand, a song on her lips, or guiding others across a dance floor, Laurie created spaces where people could belong—to rhythm, to one another, and to something larger than themselves—all while reminding us that participation matters more than perfection.

She did all of this with a distinctly human and playful spirit. Laurie embraced her quirks, her humor, and her imperfections openly—quick to laugh, unafraid to be a little offbeat, and always deeply herself. In a world that often asks us to be polished and precise, Laurie showed us the beauty of simply showing up as we are.

She was the daughter of James E. and Virginia J. Fisher formerly of Frenchtown, NJ where Laurie first found her love of music from her musically inclined parents who recognized her burgeoning talents and provided her with piano lessons. She advanced this love and talent during her years at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC through an ever growing repertory of string instruments she became proficient with. She became enamored with the mountains and culture of Swannanoa which she made her home in for almost 47 years. She made her life and livelihood immersed in the Contra Dance music world which she helped grow in the Asheville area where she leaves behind a legacy of music and dance events including The Old Farmer’s Ball, The Summer Soirée, and many others befitting her aptonym- “Fiddlewitch”.

Laurie is survived by her Brother, Michael Fisher and his husband Kevin Tyrrell. Sister, Jenine and her husband Dean LaFevre, Nephews Patrick, Matthew and Daniel LaFevre, Great Nieces Elizabeth and Mallory LaFevre. Brother, Patrick Fisher, Nephew and Niece, Houston and Charlotte Fisher. Theresa and her husband Ken Szeplaki, Nephews Adam, Alex and Andrew Szeplaki.

She impacted many people’s lives in various different ways. Anyone blessed to have met her would always remember her energy of life and soulfulness.”Peace, Love, and Happiness”.

Memorials in her honor may be presented through her beloved music and dance communities, as well as the Warren Wilson College Music Department: https://www.warren-wilson.edu/giving/.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Loretta Anne Fisher, please visit our floral store.