Laura Jane Szymendera

Laura Jane Szymendera, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother ("Grammy") died on October 4th while in Cape Cod, MA, where she was attending a family wedding.

Born in Bethlehem, PA, Laura was the beloved wife of Michael Szymendera and the daughter of the late Richard and Mary Lou (Preston) Kauffman.

Laura was a resident of Stafford, VA since the summer of 2000. She was a graduate of Council Rock High School in Newtown, PA and went on to obtain her teaching degree from the University of Delaware and her master's degree from the State University of New York. Laura taught early childhood special education for 29 years, with 8 of those in Whitney Point, NY, followed by a 5-year hiatus while the family lived in the United Kingdom. Laura continued to teach for 21 years in Stafford, VA, and had recently retired from teaching in July of this year. Laura's career in early childhood special education enabled her to make a positive difference in the lives of the children that she was blessed to have in her classroom each year. Laura was also a woman of great Faith and drew tremendous comfort from her participation in activities with her family and friends at Lifepoint church.

In addition to her husband, Laura is survived by her daughter, Kate Johnson and her husband Phillip, daughter Melissa Szymendera, and her dear grandchildren, Mason and Sadie Johnson. Also surviving her are brothers Scott Kauffman and his wife Patricia, and Craig Kauffman and his wife Judy, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to attend her memorial service on Saturday October 23, 2021 at 11:30 am at Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church in New Hope, PA. Interment will be private. Wearing of masks would be appreciated for the protection of all in attendance.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Mary's Shelter (marysshelterva.org) and/or Beauty for Ashes (beautyforashesva.org) in Fredericksburg, VA. www.fluehr.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Free Lance - Star on Oct. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Laura Szymendera

13 Entries

Valerie aka Gigi

October 11, 2025

Still think of you often. I will miss you always.

Valerie aka Gigi

October 11, 2024

I think of you often Laura and it always makes me smile. I have many fond memories of you.

Rebecca and Michael

October 22, 2021

We will miss seeing your smiling face next door, may God bless you heaven and know that he is watching over Mike and the rest of your family.

Valerie & Mike

October 22, 2021

It is with a heavy heart we are sending our condolences. What a tremendous loss for family and friends. When Mike and I think of Laura a few words and thoughts that come to mind are, kind, giving, thoughtful, selfless, faithful, patient. She will be deeply missed.
We have many fond memories of Laura. Most recently we went to see Hall & Oates in concert. We did not know who the opening band was. The opening band happened to be Squeeze. Laura was delighted!! That was one of her favorite bands. While the rest of us only knew one or two songs from the band, Laura knew them all. What a great memory and wonderful person with which we have shared our lives.

The Jenkins Family

Sent Flowers

Stephan Immerz

October 21, 2021

G´day Mike,
We were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of your Wife.
Our thoughts and prayers are with You and Your Family during this time.
Our deepest sympathies, Your Aussie Mates,
CDRE Darren Rae
CAPT Jon Ball
CMDR Chris Clyde
CMDR Stephan Immerz
Mr Doug Walters

Dave "Wheels" Freeland

October 19, 2021

Chris and I are very sorry for your loss of Laura. The world has lost a very kind and wonderful person. You and the family our in our thoughts and prayers.

Shirley Ann Jasman

October 19, 2021

Lots of prayers to the family. Laura was like a hummingbird checking up on anyone she knew. I am at a lost for words for my expression.

Cynthia Allen R.S. Head Start

October 18, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Her beautiful smile shines down from heaven now.

Carolyn Preisendanz

October 17, 2021

Mike, so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife, Laura. We now live in Spotsylvania and I read the obituary in our paper. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.

Melissa and Jose Caceres

October 17, 2021

We are heartbroken to hear about Laura´s passing. Laura was a lovely and kind woman.We send our love and prayers to Mike, Katie, Missy and all her family members. Rest In Peace. God Bless!

Cindy Gutshall

October 17, 2021

I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Laura. She was a well respected educator and a wonderful woman. Her smile and enthusiasm would light up every classroom, student and teacher she touched. May God bless you all.

Jill Carroll

October 17, 2021

My heart breaks to read the news of the loss of our beloved "Miss Laura" today. She was the pre-school teacher for our three daughters and took very special care of our daughter with special needs for her very first year in school. She eased my mind as we took that big step. She was a wonderful teacher and an even better human being. Our deepest condolences go out to all of you. We are so sorry for this loss of such a special person. Rest In Peace, Miss Laura. You brought us so much joy and special memories.

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