Laura G. DeFonso

DeFONSO, LAURA G., of Delray Beach, died peacefully Monday after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. A long-time resident of Dade County, she taught music in the Dade County Public School System for 31 years, principally at Miami Jackson Senior High School where she was Director of the mixed, boys and girls choruses, and at Kinloch Park Junior High School where she conducted both chorus and orchestra. During her career she also served terms as State Chairman of the Junior High School Music Teacher's Association, District Chairman of the Senior High School Music Teacher's Association and often served as a judge at state contests for both vocal and instrumental soloists. In a 1965 newspaper article about her, her principle at Kinloch Park, Harold Rash, stated: "Mrs. DeFonso has a rare nature that makes it possible for her to remain smiling and calm, even under the most difficult of circumstances. She's a teacher I'd want for my own child. Music is her life, to which she willingly gives of herself. And the steady stream of Students who return to visit with her tells a large part of the story." A graduate of Temple University, she also played violin, piano and organ and served for many years as choir director and organist for Palm Springs Presbyterian Church in Hialeah, Florida and Sunrise Presbyterian Church in Miami Lakes, Florida. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Alex; her sister, Julia Angstadt of Reading, PA.; her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Godfrey of Brenham, Texas and a score of nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held for her in the Activity Center of Abbey Delray, 2000 Lowson Blvd., Delray Beach, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Vitas Hospice and Healthcare of Florida, 1901 S. Congress Ave., Suite 420, Boynton Beach, FL 33426, or to the Boynton Regional Symphony Orchestra, P.O. Box 74212, Boynton Beach, Florida 33474-2121. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.herald.com/obituaries.