“And we shall walk through all our days with love remembered and love renewed”
Laurie Presser of Florida, N.Y., (formerly of Warwick) passed away on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020. She was 66 years old.
Born in Nyack, on June 20, 1954, she was the daughter of Barbara and Donald Brennan.
Laurie, a devoted mother and wife, was incredibly creative, insightful and energetic as a teacher, naturalist educator, master gardener and food scientist. She was sought out and always available to help others.
She designed and presented a whimsical program for children, “Victorian Woodlands Faerie Walk.” Children and parents alike loved the program and it became very successful and well-attended children’s program, first at Westchester’s Muscoot Farm, and later at the Orange County Arboretum. It was presented many times over the years.
Laurie is survived by her devoted husband Mark. She is “the love of his life, woman of his dreams.” Also survived by daughter Sierra Presser of Sparta, Wisc.; mother Barbara Brennan of Bardonia; sister Diane McAleer and her husband Bill of Long Valley, N.J.; aunt Maureen McGrath of Branchburg, N.J.; sister-in-law Elise Kolataze of Jamaica Estates; and newborn granddaughter, Rosita Aaliyah Ann Presser.
Laurie was predeceased by her son, Samuel Oren Presser in 2011, tragically struck down at age 18 on his bicycle due to a collision with a truck. Laurie was also predeceased by beloved aunts Rosie Schutzel, and Margaret Sterns and uncle George Schutzel. She also leaves behind many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews and dear friends.
Her very productive and engaged life interactions were lessened as dementia, diagnosed in 2008, progressively took over her life. Laurie put up a tremendous fight, despite becoming blind, non-ambulatory and a total assist. She loved music which thankfully calmed and soothed her.
We are most grateful for the loving aides who cared for her over the years, most recently Rachael Nenna and Shannon Stalker who gave their love and exceptional care to her through to the end.
Visitation was held Aug. 20 at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Ave., Warwick. Visitation and a funeral service were held Aug. 21 at the funeral home. Interment was in Warwick Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Laurie’s memory to USAgainstAlzheimers, Save the Faeries, or your favorite charity.
Arrangements were made by Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home. To send an online condolence, go to www.lsvpmemorialhome.com.