Laura G. Daniels

Laura Grace Daniels, 83, of 743 North State Road, Cheshire, since 1950, died Thursday morning, Feb. 16, 2006, at her home.
Born March 16, 1922, in Aberdeen, Md., she was the daughter of James A. and Grace (Street) Mahan. She was educated in Maryland schools and was a 1940 graduate of Aberdeen High School in Aberdeen.
During World War II, Mrs. Daniels was employed at Sprague Electric Co., North Adams, working for the National Defense Department in inspection and testing for chemical warfare equipment.
Mrs. Daniels regarded herself to be a homemaker. But, with her husband, Harvey J. Daniels, she raised chickens for many years at Rolling Acres Farm, which they purchased from the now-late John DiLego in l953, after managing it since l950. They later expanded to beef and slaughtering operations and sold the farming business to the former Astro Beef Co. of Lanesboro in l969.
Mr. and Mrs. Daniels also owned and operated the former Chicken Stop Restaurant, known for its landmark giant chicken on Route 8, from 1963 until selling it in l97l to the Gaylord family, who ran it as the Country Charm Restaurant until its closing in December 2004. She retired in 1971.
Mrs. Daniels had been one of the largest landowners in North Berkshire, buying and selling a number of well-known local properties, including the former Rondeau farm at the base of Mount Greylock, the Pine Brook Club, and the 1792 Richardson House now the Harbour House Inn bed and breakfast.
Mrs. Daniels enjoyed painting, drawing, and writing poetry, crocheting, knitting, and antiquing. She enjoyed cooking and baking and was known for her pies.
Her husband, Harvey J. Daniels, whom she married June 14, 1942, in Churchville, Md., died Feb. 8, 2005.
She leaves two sons, John M. Daniels Sr., of Cheshire and James A. Daniels of Decatur, Ala.; a brother, Stanley Mahan of Aberdeen, Md.; two sisters, Esther Scarborough of Darlington, Md., and Mary Murray of Derry, N.H.; four grandchildren, Jacquelyn M. Fortier, John M. Daniels, Jr., Todd Daniels, and Heather Daniels; and six great-grandchildren.
Her infant daughter died in 1943. Six brothers and four sisters also are deceased.

FUNERAL NOTICE -- Funeral services for Laura Daniels will be held Monday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m., at the First Baptist Church of Cheshire with Rev. William D. Furey, pastor of Berkshire Union Chapel, and the Rev. Mr. Robert Hitter, deacon of St. Mary of the Assumption Church of Cheshire, officiating. Burial will be in the spring in Cheshire Cemetery.
Calling hours are Sunday, 4-7 p.m., at the Dery-Cheshire Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Cheshire, Berkshire Union Chapel, St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Hoosac Hose Company, or to Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Northern Berkshire, all in care of the Dery-Cheshire Funeral Home, P.O. Box 445, Cheshire, MA 01225.