Laura Guzzo R.N.

1947 - 2016

Laura J. Guzzo R.N.

1947 - 2016 PITTSFIELD Laura J. Guzzo, died peacefully at Berkshire Medical Center on February 6, 2016, with her loving family by her side. Laura was born in Winthrop, MA on February 2, 1947, the daughter of William and Ruth Wright Soutra. In childhood, she moved to Illinois and later settled in Pittsfield, MA as her father pursued his career with GE. Laura met her husband, Peter, at Pittsfield High School. They married on December 11, 1965 and recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. They raised four children, always leading by example and demonstrating that family was their first priority. Fitting with Laura's caring nature, she worked as a nurse throughout her career. Her interest in nursing began as a Candy Striper at Hillcrest Hospital. She went on to receive progressive degrees in nursing, attaining her LPN and RN degrees from Berkshire Community College and had a long distinguished career at BMC. She obtained a BS in nursing from the University of Massachusetts in 1995 while working and raising children later in her career. Laura was the first of her generation to obtain a bachelor's degree and her family was always very proud of her many accomplishments. As part of her studies, she traveled to Ireland to observe nursing in their exchange program and in turn hosted several Irish nurses here. While at BMC, she took an active role on numerous committees representing the nursing perspective, including the implementation of a computer system for tracking medications. Most dear to her heart was the Ethics Committee where she was a long-standing member. She received certification as a neurological nurse and served as an expert witness for neurological cases at Albany Medical Center. Her work was recognized at BMC, receiving honors of Nurse of the Year, Leader of the Year, and finishing her career as a clinical leader. More poignant was the number of coworkers and former patients who personally offered their thanks for her work over the years and far into retirement. Later in life she was forced to retire early from nursing due to failing vision and became a proud member of the Berkshire Benevolent Association for the Blind, where she served as a trustee. Laura's faith in God was always important in her life. At St. Charles Catholic Church, she was an active member and taught catechism for many years, receiving the Pope Pius Award for her contributions to teaching. Laura is survived by her husband, Peter, four children; Peter R. Guzzo and his wife, Judy, Dan Guzzo and his wife, Missy, Patty MacDonald and her husband, Kevin and Tony Guzzo. She also leaves her sisters; Lillian Ethier and Robin Sabato. Laura's five grandchildren were the light of her life; Robby, Anna and Olivia Guzzo and Kyle and Brady MacDonald. The Guzzo family wishes to extend special thanks to all of the doctors, nurses and staff who so lovingly cared for Laura over the years. They also wish to express a special thank you to everyone at the Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association. FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Laura J. Guzzo, R.N., who died February 6, 2016, will be held Thursday at 10a.m. at St. Charles Church celebrated by the Rev. Peter Gregory, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 4 to 7p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations in memory of Laura may be made to the Berkshire Benevolent Association for the Blind or to the St. Charles Church Memorial Fund both in care of the funeral home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.