Laura Holleran

1927 - 2022

Laura W. Holleran, 95, "Lady Laura" to many, died peacefully at home in Newington on Thursday, August 18, 2022. Daughter of Violet (Hopkins) Wood and Raymond Wood, she was born March 12,1927 in Peabody, MA. She graduated from Boston University with a degree in journalism but her true passion was music, specifically the piano. Laura studied piano from an early age. Her family recognized her passion and saved and sacrificed to buy her a Steinway Grand. That piano brought so much joy to her and to others. She was an accomplished performer; a favorite was Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue', for which she designed, and had made, an elegant evening dress (pictured). The work of Gershwin remained a lifelong favorite and she was widely recognized and sought out for her expertise. Additionally she was very knowledgeable about duo piano pieces and performed frequently with her dear friend Pat and together they started the Holleran/Gronback Duo Piano Library. Laura spent many years teaching piano, in her home, sharing her love and knowledge. She remained friends with many of her former students and was still teaching until just a few weeks before her death. She was an active member, and held offices, in several musical organizations including the Music Teachers National Association, the Connecticut State Music Teachers Association, the National Guild of Piano Teachers, The American College of Musicians and The Musical Club of Hartford, for which she was a former president. She also enjoyed accompanying singers and did so for The Lithuanian Chorus of Hartford and The Newington Choral Club. Her students were outstanding and she was dedicated to providing young musicians with performance and competition opportunities. She had a lust for life and knowledge and excelled at anything she put her mind to. In addition to music, she loved writing, collecting majolica pottery, reading anything and everything from murder mysteries to poetry, knitting, gardening, birdwatching, traveling, calligraphy, shopping and good champagne. She had a great sense of humor. She was the self proclaimed president of the fictional United States Cat Whiskers Association. She loved and spoiled many kitties throughout her life. Laura was predeceased by her beloved husband, Thomas Richard Holleran and dear son, Richard Thomas 'Chester' Holleran. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Kristine Holleran of Raymond, NH and her daughter Kerry H. Gleason and her husband John of Warwick, NY; grandsons Ryan Holleran and his wife Megan and Wells Holleran and his wife Christine, all of NH: granddaughters Colleen G. Head and her husband Kevin of NY and Shannon Gleason Short and her husband John of Florida. Great grandchildren are Aesa and Mac Holleran, Keegan and Colin Head, and Watson Holleran. A special thank you to Wanda Pomales who provided extraordinary care and love. Laura's family is most grateful. A private interment will be held at West Meadow Cemetery in Newington. A celebration of her wonderful life, for family and friends, will be held at a later date. In honor of Laura's love of kitties, a memorial donation may be made, in her name, to the Connecticut Humane Society (Newington).