The story of Laura Plimpton is a compelling journey marked by creativity, resilience, quiet dedication, and deep familial bonds. Born Laura Dorothy Kostyra on March 4, 1955, she was the youngest of the six famous Kostyra siblings. While her elder sister Martha Stewart grew into a global household name, Laura Plimpton served as a foundational pillar within the family’s expanding media and lifestyle empire for more than 25 years. Her multifaceted career as a food stylist, researcher, writer, and editor helped shape the aesthetic and editorial tone that millions came to love. Beyond her work, Laura Plimpton was celebrated as a devoted mother, skilled seamstress, and compassionate individual whose life touched countless people.
Laura Plimpton: Quick Biography & Profile
| Full Name | Laura Dorothy Kostyra Plimpton |
| Birth Name | Laura Dorothy Kostyra |
| Date of Birth | March 4, 1955 |
| Birthplace | Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Hometown | Nutley, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Date of Death | August 6, 2014 (aged 59) |
| Place of Death | Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Cause of Death | Brain aneurysm |
| Parents | Edward Kostyra & Martha “Big Martha” Ruszkowski Kostyra |
| Famous Siblings | Martha Stewart (lifestyle mogul), Eric Kostyra, Frank Kostyra, Edward Kostyra Jr., Kathryn Evans |
| First Spouse | Kim Herbert (m. 1979; d. 1985) |
| Second Spouse | Randy Plimpton (m. 1990–2014) |
| Children | Christopher Dylan Herbert (Grammy-nominated musician), Sophie Martha Herbert Slater, Charles “Charlie” Edward Plimpton |
| Primary Professions | Food Stylist, Prop Stylist, Researcher, Writer, Editor, Content Producer |
| Company / Media | Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (AskMartha, The Martha Blog, The Daily Wag) |
| Key Residencies | Jersey City, NJ; Nutley, NJ; Westport, CT; Weston, CT; Cutchogue, NY |
| Memorials | The Laura Plimpton Japanese Maple Grove (at Martha Stewart’s farm) |
| Final Contribution | Organ donor (saved/improved lives of multiple recipients) |
Early Life and Family Background of Laura Plimpton
To understand the character of Laura Plimpton, one must explore her roots within the tight-knit Kostyra family. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, to parents Edward Kostyra and Martha Ruszkowski Kostyra, Laura was welcomed into a vibrant and bustling household. Interestingly, her mother originally wished to name her Dorothy, but her older brothers and sisters persuaded her parents to call her Laura instead. Growing up as the youngest child provided Laura with a unique perspective, surrounded by energetic, ambitious siblings. The Kostyra home was centered around hard work, self-reliance, and traditional Polish culture, values that would profoundly influence Laura throughout her personal and professional life.
Growing Up in the Kostyra Household in Nutley
During her childhood, the family relocated to Nutley, New Jersey, where Laura Plimpton spent her formative years alongside her five brothers and sisters. The Kostyra home in Nutley was a bustling hub of domestic activities, where thriftiness and hands-on craftsmanship were daily principles. From gardening and preserving vegetables to sewing clothes and cooking elaborate family meals, every child was expected to contribute meaningfully. Laura Plimpton absorbed these skills with natural enthusiasm, observing her older sister Martha Stewart and learning the intricate details of home economics. This childhood environment instilled in Laura an extraordinary work ethic, an eye for presentation, and an enduring love for practical creative arts.
The Influence of “Big Martha” on Laura Plimpton
The true matriarchal inspiration for Laura Plimpton was her mother, affectionately known to the public as “Big Martha” Kostyra. Big Martha was renowned for her incredible culinary repertoire, filling the kitchen with classic Polish dishes like pierogi, golumpki, and babka. Later in life, when Laura faced personal hardships, Big Martha lived with her in Weston, Connecticut, sharing her traditional recipes and guiding her grandchildren. Laura Plimpton deeply cherished her mother’s lessons, absorbing not only her traditional culinary techniques but also her gentle warmth and emotional strength. This strong maternal foundation shaped Laura into an exceptional host and a nurturing parent who prioritized family above all else.
The Early Career and Entrepreneurial Beginnings of Laura Plimpton
Before becoming an indispensable editor and writer, Laura Plimpton began her professional career working directly alongside her sister during the humble origins of their business endeavors. After moving from New Jersey to Florida and eventually settling in Westport, Connecticut, Laura joined Martha’s initial catering venture in the late 1970s. The catering business operated out of a basement kitchen at Turkey Hill, demanding long hours and flawless attention to detail. Laura Plimpton quickly proved herself to be a natural in high-pressure kitchen environments, assisting with menu development, food presentation, and event coordination, helping lay the groundwork for what would soon become a lifestyle revolution.
Joining Martha Stewart in the Early Catering Years
Working on the frontline of the catering enterprise, Laura Plimpton developed a reputation for culinary excellence and meticulous standards. One famous family anecdote from this period occurred during an event at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. An actor named Kim Herbert was so enchanted by the delicious lemon bars served by the catering team that he insistently demanded to meet the person who baked them. That talented baker was Laura Plimpton. The chance encounter led to a romantic connection, and Laura married Kim Herbert in 1979. This sweet origin story perfectly illustrates how Laura’s passion for baking and warm personality naturally brought people together throughout her life.
Personal Life, First Marriage, and Navigating Early Tragedy
The early years of Laura Plimpton’s adulthood were marked by immense joy as well as profound, heartbreaking tragedy. Following her 1979 marriage to Kim Herbert, the couple settled in New York City and welcomed their first child, Christopher Dylan Herbert, in 1980. Christopher would grow up to become a Grammy-nominated musician and Middle Eastern studies scholar. In 1983, the young family relocated to New Jersey, where their daughter, Sophie Martha Herbert, was born in 1984. However, tragedy struck the family shortly after in 1985 when Kim Herbert was diagnosed with terminal lymphoma and passed away just a few months later, leaving Laura widowed at a young age.
Raising Young Children as a Widowed Mother
Facing the daunting reality of raising two infant children alone, Laura Plimpton demonstrated remarkable courage, resilience, and quiet determination. She moved her family to Weston, Connecticut, to be closer to her supportive relatives and established a loving home environment. Her mother, Big Martha, moved in to assist with childcare and daily household responsibilities. Despite her grief, Laura Plimpton ensured that her children felt secure, loved, and inspired. She handmade their clothes, packed nutritious lunches every single day, and created warm holiday traditions that gave them stability. Her ability to turn adversity into a nurturing, creative environment stood as a defining testament to her character.
Finding Love Again: Laura Plimpton and Randy Plimpton
After years focused entirely on her children and career, happiness bloomed again for Laura Plimpton in the late 1980s. In 1989, while working on a magazine photo shoot at Turkey Hill with photographer Jerry Simpson, Laura met Randy Plimpton. Randy, who would become a prominent Westport real estate agent and independent property manager, formed an instant connection with Laura. Their initial meeting led to a memorable evening of informal golf and laughter, sparking a deeply affectionate partnership. The couple married in 1990, bringing new stability and joy to Laura’s life as they built a combined family grounded in mutual respect and shared interests.
Building a New Life and Family in Weston, Connecticut
Together, Laura Plimpton and Randy Plimpton made their home in Weston, Connecticut, where they lived happily for nearly 25 years. In addition to raising Christopher and Sophie, Laura and Randy welcomed their son, Charles “Charlie” Edward Plimpton. The Plimpton household was known for its hospitality, environmental consciousness, and vibrant family gatherings. During the summer months, the family cherished spending quiet time in Cutchogue, New York, situated on the peaceful North Fork of Long Island, where Randy’s family had owned property since 1925. This serene coastal setting provided Laura with a welcome retreat where she could tend to gardens and host memorable meals.
A Key Professional Force Behind Martha Stewart’s Empire
While Martha Stewart was the visible face of her lifestyle brand, Laura Plimpton was an essential force operating behind the scenes for more than two decades. Working within Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Laura occupied several critical roles, including researcher, writer, editor, and content producer. Her versatile talent allowed her to seamlessly transition between print, broadcast radio, and digital media formats. Colleagues and family members frequently praised Laura for her impeccable taste, thorough research habits, and uncanny ability to capture the authentic, practical voice that defined the brand’s overwhelming success across global media platforms.
Food and Prop Styling: Crafting the Aesthetic
In the early expansion of Martha Stewart’s publication and television projects, Laura Plimpton excelled as a premier food and prop stylist. Styling photo shoots requires a rare blend of artistic vision, culinary precision, and spatial awareness. Laura possessed an innate understanding of visual composition, knowing exactly how to arrange vintage glassware, artisanal linens, and fresh ingredients to evoke warmth and elegance. Her extensive knowledge of Depression glass, antique cookware, and traditional table settings contributed significantly to the signature visual standards that set Martha Stewart publications apart from competing magazines during the 1990s and 2000s.
Writing and Researching for AskMartha and Digital Media
As the lifestyle brand expanded into broadcasting and publishing, Laura Plimpton assumed responsibility for research and scriptwriting. She became a primary writer for the widely popular AskMartha syndicated radio program, answering complex household, gardening, and cooking queries from listeners nationwide. Laura’s research was thorough and dependable, ensuring that every piece of advice offered to the public met strict technical accuracy. Her capacity to break down complex tasks—such as preserving produce, restoring antiques, or preparing intricate roasts—into simple, encouraging instructions made her writing exceptionally popular among readers and radio listeners.
Laura Plimpton as the Voice and Heart of The Martha Blog
In the final decade of her career, Laura Plimpton took on an integral role managing content for The Martha Blog and its companion site, The Daily Wag. Laura researched, wrote, captioned, edited, and photographed hundreds of blog posts detailing farm updates, culinary tutorials, and travel features. Her editorial style was engaging, warm, and highly informative, earning her a dedicated personal following among readers. Through her regular online posts, Laura Plimpton allowed millions of fans to catch intimate behind-the-scenes glimpses into the Stewart and Kostyra family traditions, gardening projects, and seasonal celebrations.
Culinary Craftsmanship and Creative Passions
Beyond her professional achievements, Laura Plimpton was celebrated by everyone who knew her as a true master of home arts. She was a brilliant chef who delighted in cooking multi-course feasts for her friends and family. Her holiday gatherings were legendary, featuring traditional dishes like rich fish chowder and freshly baked French bread on Christmas Eve, followed by classic rib roast with Yorkshire pudding on Christmas Day. Laura approached cooking not as a chore, but as a expressive act of love and community, constantly experimenting with fresh seasonal produce, delicate pastries, and comforting family classics.
Master Seamstress and Devoted Homemaker
In addition to her culinary talents, Laura Plimpton was an extraordinarily gifted seamstress and maker. Throughout her children’s youth, she personally designed and tailored many of their clothes, infusing everyday garments with handcrafted beauty and care. Her home in Weston was filled with personal artistic touches, custom textiles, and carefully curated antique collections. Laura believed that beauty should be accessible and integrated into daily routine, whether through a beautifully arranged vase of garden flowers, a perfectly baked lemon-blueberry pie, or a hand-stitched garment. Her quiet dedication to domestic craftsmanship left a lasting impression on everyone in her circle.
The Tragic Passing of Laura Plimpton in 2014
On August 4, 2014, the life of Laura Plimpton took a tragic and sudden turn. After starting her morning at 5:00 A.M. with her customary workout routine and completing the New York Times crossword puzzle with her husband Randy, Laura suddenly fell severely ill at home. She was rushed to Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut, where physicians determined she had suffered a massive brain aneurysm. Despite intensive emergency medical care, Laura passed away on August 6, 2014, at the age of 59. Her sudden passing sent shockwaves through her family, friends, and the millions of readers who had grown fond of her work.
Final Days and the Sudden Brain Aneurysm
In the days preceding her sudden illness, Laura Plimpton spent precious, peaceful time surrounded by those she loved most. Just two nights before her collapse, she had prepared a magnificent summer dinner for her husband, three children, and two sons-in-law, serving yogurt-mint marinated lamb kebabs and a homemade lemon-blueberry cream pie. The evening was filled with laughter, conversation, and family warmth. While her family was devastated by her untimely death, they found comfort in remembering that her final days were spent in complete happiness, health, and surrounded by unconditional love.
A Gift of Life Through Organ Donation
In keeping with her lifelong generous spirit, Laura Plimpton had prepared a clear living will explicitly stating her desire to be an organ donor. Following her brain aneurysm, she was maintained on temporary life support so her three adult children could travel to Norwalk Hospital to say their final goodbyes and so medical testing could be completed. Through her selfless foresight, Laura’s healthy organs saved and improved the lives of several needy recipients following her passing. Her family expressed immense pride in her final gift, noting that her generosity allowed her vibrant life force to endure through others.
The Lasting Legacy and Tributes to Laura Plimpton
Following her death, tributes poured in from across the nation honoring Laura Plimpton’s remarkable life, warm nature, and artistic contributions. Her sister Martha Stewart published a moving online memorial titled “A Memorial For My Sister Laura,” sharing cherished photographs and personal memories with millions of readers. A formal memorial service was held in Cutchogue, Long Island, where family and friends gathered to celebrate her legacy. During the service, her daughter Sophie delivered a moving eulogy highlighting her mother’s resilience, humor, and unwavering encouragement to live life authentically.
The Laura Plimpton Japanese Maple Grove
To create a permanent, living memorial to her beloved sister, Martha Stewart dedicated a special garden feature at her farm. Known as “The Laura Plimpton Japanese Maple Grove,” the sanctuary features a breathtaking collection of rare Japanese maple trees—a plant variety that Laura had been particularly passionate about during her life. Laura’s final editorial assignment for Martha’s blog had actually been documenting the planting of these very trees. Today, the grove stands as a serene, colorful tribute to Laura’s artistic spirit, reminding all who walk through it of her enduring elegance, warmth, and grace.
Conclusion:
In reflecting upon the life of Laura Plimpton, one sees a story defined not merely by her association with a famous family, but by her own profound talents, quiet strength, and selfless generosity. For over two decades, her creative vision helped elevate Martha Stewart Living into a beloved cultural standard. As a mother who overcame early loss, a master craftswoman, a dedicated editor, and a life-saving organ donor, Laura Plimpton lived a life rich in purpose and beauty. Her memory continues to live on in her three accomplished children, her husband Randy, her loving siblings, and the timeless work she left behind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laura Plimpton
Who was Laura Plimpton?
Laura Plimpton (born Laura Dorothy Kostyra) was the youngest sister of lifestyle icon Martha Stewart. She worked alongside Martha for over 25 years as a writer, editor, food stylist, and researcher within Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.
When was Laura Plimpton born and when did she pass away?
Laura Plimpton was born on March 4, 1955, in Jersey City, New Jersey, and passed away suddenly on August 6, 2014, at the age of 59 at Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut.
What was the cause of Laura Plimpton’s death?
Laura Plimpton died from complications following a massive brain aneurysm that she suffered unexpectedly at her home on August 4, 2014.
Who was Laura Plimpton married to?
Laura Plimpton was married twice. Her first husband was actor Kim Herbert, whom she married in 1979 and who passed away in 1985. In 1990, she married Randy Plimpton, a Westport real estate agent and property manager, with whom she spent nearly 25 years.
Did Laura Plimpton have children?
Yes, Laura Plimpton had three children: Christopher Dylan Herbert (a Grammy-nominated musician), Sophie Martha Herbert Slater (a yoga teacher and therapist), and Charles “Charlie” Edward Plimpton.
What role did Laura Plimpton play in Martha Stewart’s business?
Laura Plimpton served as a key editor, researcher, writer, and food/prop stylist. She wrote extensively for the AskMartha radio show and managed content, photography, and editing for The Martha Blog and The Daily Wag.
How is Laura Plimpton memorialized today?
Laura Plimpton is memorialized through “The Laura Plimpton Japanese Maple Grove,” a living garden tribute dedicated by Martha Stewart at her estate, as well as through her final gift of life as an organ donor.
