Laura Amdur

Laura Amdur January 29, 1929 – October 7, 2025
Laura Amdur, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at the age of 96. Born on January 29, 1929, to Alex and Sadie (Smilovitz) Klein, Laura lived a life defined by resilience, strength and an unwavering love for her family. Throughout her whole life Laura embodied the true definition of a matriarch, ensuring that her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren knew her love, strength, and that she was always there for all of them.
She was predeceased by the love of her life - Melvin (Mel) Amdur, who passed away far too young at the age of 53. Suddenly faced with caring for three children and managing a family business, Laura, who had spent her life as a devoted homemaker, demonstrated extraordinary courage and determination. Despite the times, Laura decided to move "from the kitchen to the boardroom" and at the age of 57, went back to school and earned a degree from the Connecticut Business Institute, and also learned to drive and got her license for the first time. Upon graduation Laura began a long and meaningful career in public service with the City of Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Department, where she worked proudly until the age of 81 despite her refusal to ever learn to use a computer!
In addition to her late husband, Laura was predeceased by her cherished son Jeffrey Amdur, her parents Alex and Sadie Klein, and her brother Burton ("Buddy") Klein.
Laura is survived by her devoted children Bruce Amdur (wife Susan) of Northborough, Massachusetts, Stuart Amdur (wife Cheryl) of Orange, Connecticut, and Joyce Platz (husband Arthur "Artie") of Fairfield, Connecticut; her five beloved grandchildren - whom she affectionately called her "Jewels" - Matthew Amdur (wife Kate), Jennifer Amdur (husband Ted Swiderski), Jordan Amdur (wife Nicole), Jonathan Amdur, and Sara Platz; her six great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy, laughter, and happiness in her later years: Bayley, Beatrice, Devin, Charlotte, Emma, and Sadie; and several nieces and nephews.
Laura's strength, grace, and love formed the foundation of her family. She inspired her children and grandchildren with her example of hard work, determination, tradition and steadfast family values.
During her lifetime Laura loved dinners out, going to the movies, mahjong, cards and traveling, and she was a devoted fan of the UConn Women's Basketball Team. Her children and grandchildren often joked that her social life was busier than any of theirs. But above all, Laura loved her family. She was deeply involved in her children's and grandchildren's lives, hosting holidays, attending games, graduations, recitals, birthdays, taking them back-to-school shopping, and celebrating every meaningful milestone. She was also a wonderful cook, and her matzah ball soup, chicken livers, and brisket remain the center of many family memories.
Those who knew Laura were always met with her familiar sayings - that she had "a good life" and "a blessed life." It was not just something she said but was something she truly meant.
Laura's life was a testament to perseverance, love, and the enduring strength of family. Her extraordinary legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and in the generations of family who continue to be guided by her light. The family would like to offer a special thank you to the wonderful women who cared for her with love and dignity for the last 8 years, Yvette, Batool, Mireille and Claudine, as well as the amazing nurses and caregivers of the Hartford Healthcare home hospice team.
Services will be held on Sunday October 12th at 11:00am at Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home, 88 Beach Road, Fairfield CT, with interment to follow at Ahavath Achim Cemetery, 250 Reid Street, Fairfield, CT.
Shiva will be held at the home of Jennifer Amdur and Ted Swiderski with family and friends invited to attend Sunday from 1:00pm-7:00pm, Monday from 1:00 pm-7:00pm and Tuesday from 10:00am–1:00pm.