Margaret C. Whalen Lauria

Mrs. Lauria taught me art at St. Joes in the late -70s. She was, not only a great teacher, she was a cool, instructured teacher -- she used to let us go out for a smoke during class -- but she also taught us about art. Not just ceramics and pottery, but about the beauty of all art. She was a wonderful teacher, and to this day, I have kept a ceramic Corvette ('78Model, I think) that I painted and kilned in Mrs. Lauria's class, promentely displayed in my house.

Mrs. Lauria will always have a special spot reserved in my heart and sole. She taught me value of expression and provided me with the tools to achieve it. To this day I carry her teachings with me and I apply it to all aspects of me life.

To her family, I am sincerely sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Joseph Nota Class of 1978

Dear Lauria Family,

It is with profound sadness that I greet the news of Marge's passing. While we have lost touch over the decades, the thoughts of your family and your parent's devotion to it have been an inspiration to me. I considered myself privileged to have been a friend openly accepted into your family. It brought me a sanity that otherwise would not have not experienced during those late high school years in the early 1970's. My time in your company opened up a world to me that I went on to embrace and exploit. Without that inspiration my life would have lacked much of the color, texture and flavor I have come to cherish.
My only regret is that we did not have the opportunity for one more talk around the kitchen table.
I will honor the memories by attempting to fulfill the promise those formative conversations instilled in my heart.
I wish for you all joy, peace and fulfillment.

My heart goes out to you, Mark and your family. Ms Lauria and Doc were two of my favorite teachers at St Joes and I will always remember them fondly.

My sadness at her passing is only eclipsed by the thought that she and Doc are now together again. I always remembered them that way at St. Joe's. Now they are together again forever. Bless you both.

I'm not much of an artist [math brained] but had Mrs Lauria's art class as a freshman @ St. Joseph's H.S. and always enjoyed it! Whatever I know about art was learned in her class. Thank You and Rest in Peace!

My heartfelt sympathy. I was an abysmal artist until I took her class at St. Joe's. She was very patient with me and taught me not only how to sketch moderately well, but to appreciate art. May she and Doc rest in peace.

What a positive influence in our lives. The family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Rob Fuentes "80

Mrs. Lauria taught me to appreciate art and to love working on creating. Prior to her art was a chore and I did because I had to. I just recently told my wife about my clay and ceramics classes and how much Mrs. Lauria did for me. Doc and Mrs. Lauria both had a great impact on me and I will miss them both. John Pavlovsky 1976

Marge and Doc helped me get through St. Joes during one of the most difficult times of my life. I was 17, married with a baby. If the Administration had discovered, I would have been expelled. They, along with a few other faculty, helped me navigate those challenging waters, graduate, and become a young man. Her art studio was always an oasis, along with Mike Krasnodemsky. Blessings, Marge. Peace!

NIce person and art teacher.

Mike Sheehan '79

I have art I created in her class hanging on the wall of my home (thanks to my partner Alfonso who had the pieces framed for me as a surprise gift). I have very special memories of learning and exploring art with Mrs. Lauria to guide me. She was a wonderful teacher. My condolences to the Lauria and Whalen families.

Doc and Marge were two of my favorite people on faculty during my time at St Joe's. Their family should be rightfully proud of the impact they had on so many lives. Both are in my prayers.
Dr. Ned Gentz '72

My sincere condolences. Mrs Lauria was my art teacher in the late 70's. I still have ceramic art work i made in her class. Her class room was always a welcoming refuge anytime. I am sorry for your loss.

Ms. Lauria was a wonderful person and a great teacher. Her art room was a place where we could hang out, have fun and just be ourselves. My thoughts are with your family.

Very fond memories of Mrs. Lauria as my art teacher at St. Joe's '76-80 - open minded, inspirational, positive critiques. A real natural as a teacher. Sad to hear the news.

Great art teacher, and really loved us kids! Was one of her students back in 1975! Great influence in our lives! May the arts always live through her presence! Ivan Solero Class of 1977, St. Joseph's HS

St Joe's Art class was genuinely the highlight of anyone's day, regardless of ability or talent. Margaret's joie de vivre and dedication to stress-free teaching were unmatched. I don't know a single person who ever walked out through her doors that didn't leave better-off than when he walked in! We were genuinely blessed to have had the experience of knowing her!

Marge Lauria was perhaps the most influential teacher I ever had. I was a closeted gay youth at St. Joe's HS, from a family that had very little money (unlike the majority of my fellow students) and, while she never spoke to me about those parts of my identity directly, she treated me like I was worthwhile. She encouraged me in my work, spoke to me like I was a person of some value, and gave me hope that there were more people in the world like her, which I have found to be the case these last 40 years.
I wish I had made that clearer to her.

To The Lauria Family:

Margaret was a great lady to be around. She always had a smile when she entered our office. She always had something nice to say about her children and grandchildren. She always smiled from ear to ear and that is the way we will remember her.

Peace to her family and we are sincerely sorry for the loss of Margaret.

Sincerely,

Dr. Edwin N. Galkin, Lynn, Donna, Nancy, Romina and Heather

Rachael, Ronnie and Asia,
Our thoughts are with you.
Trish and Mark

Please accept my condolences. Your mom was my H.S. art teacher in the crazy years of 1970-72. She was a wonderful person and teacher, who I remember fondly.

Family is a very encompassing word, and Margaret was part of our dental family. I so looked forward to her visits with us. Her book reviews and television reviews were always so enlightening. She always spoke of children in such a loving manner. We will all miss seeing her.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. She was a great lady.
Ginny @ Frechtman Family Dental

Rachel,
Please accept my sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Michele Rainieri
MCG - Market Connect Group

Dear Rachel,
My thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. Sending love and prayers.
Marilyn Harrison

We will miss you Mama Margaret. We send our love, support and prayers to the family.