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Laura Nowak Obituary
She was born on Feb. 25, 1925, in Athens, Georgia, the daughter of Robert James Taylor and Annie Maude Anderson Taylor.
She graduated in 1942 from Athens High School, as class president, and in 1945, with a BA in music from Converse College in Spartanburg, North Carolina.
In May 1945, she married Lionel Nowak. He died in December 1995.
In Bennington, Mrs. Nowak taught piano, raised their children and later worked full time at Bennington College as faculty secretary.
She was a member of Second Congregational Church in Bennington, where she sang in the choir.
She enjoyed genealogy, movies, theater, museums and keeping scrapbooks of her husband's concerts.
Survivors include three children Laura Keanon, Alison and Robert Nowak; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; a sister, Dr. Lois Ellison, of Augusta, Georgia; a stepdaughter, Karen Bachman, of College Station, Texas; seven step-grandchildren and 12 step-great-grandchildren.
Calling hours were held Tuesday, Jan. 9, at Mahar Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington.
The memorial service/celebration of life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to John G. McCullough Free Library, Bennington Rescue Squad, Sage City Symphony and Second Congregational Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Laura Nowak
5 Entries
January 10, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of Laura's passing. She was a very special woman.
SUE CARAMAN
Joan Lowre LaVigne
January 10, 2018
My mother, Dolores Lowre, worked for Lionel at Bennington College and was also their neighbor for many years and as all of the North Bennington village did, considered Laura a village treasure. Not meeting her in the Post Office for a chat will be a real loss to many, especially me. My sincerest sympathy to all of her family on the loss of this beautiful lady.
Rose Engelland
January 9, 2018
I am a close friend of Laura Nowak's daughter, Laura Keanon. In order to differentiate between the two of them, I would call Laura the mom BIG LAURA. She was not a large woman in stature, but she had a large presence in little Laura's life. I only spent one weekend in North Bennington at her home, and I really loved listening to her stories and her experiences. Sometimes we would talk on the phone and I would think i was talking to a sweet older lady from the South. But she would surprise me with her keen observations and her quick wit. I grew to appreciate her depth and her wonderful sense of humor. Laura, Alison and Bob will miss you terribly, BIG LAURA. And Eugene will miss your pot roast. All my love, Rose
Kelly Lewin
January 8, 2018
You will always have a place in my heart and the memory of gold . I will miss you my friend . RIP
Sally Sugarman
January 8, 2018
Working with Laura at Bennington College was a pleasure. She was in charge of the Social Science office. She was always eager to be of help to faculty and students. My husband Bob knew her when he was at Syracuse University. He knew her longer that I did, and shared my feeling that she was a lovely person to know. After her retirement it was always a pleasure to see her around the town or at an Oldcastle Theatre opening. She lived a fine, productive life. We were lucky to have known her.
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Memorial Events
for Laura Nowak
Jan
9
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Mahar Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Bennington628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201
Funeral services provided by:
Mahar Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Bennington628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201
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