Laura Anne Gubernat

Laura Anne Gubernat, 72, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina, after a long illness. Born on January 10, 1953, in Newark, New Jersey, she lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, professional dedication, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She resided in Connecticut for 30+ years before retiring to Leland, North Carolina, in 2016.

Laura graduated from Trenton State College in 1975 with a bachelor's degree in Speech, Pathology, and Audiology Education. She went on to earn a master's degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences from Vanderbilt University, an MBA from Providence College, and a Sixth-Year Degree in Professional Education from the University of Connecticut.

Her career in public education was both long and distinguished. Laura began as a speech pathologist in Connecticut at Putnam Elementary School and later taught in the Groton Public School System. She served as Assistant Principal at Killingly Memorial School and then as Assistant Director of Pupil Services in Killingly, Connecticut, before becoming Director. She was also a member of the Killingly Board of Education. In the final chapter of her professional life, Laura returned to the classroom as a teacher at Windham Public Schools.

An avowed minimalist, Laura was a deeply private person who found happiness in life's quiet pleasures and natural beauty. She had a profound appreciation for art-particularly the works of Claude Monet-and sought solace and inspiration in museums and gardens. The ocean held a special place in her heart; she loved swimming and walking along the beach. Sea turtles were her favorite animal, and she often spoke dreamily about being reincarnated as one in her next life. She delighted in dancing, music that moved her spirit, movies that made her laugh out loud, and practicing sign language. Her sense of humor carried the unmistakable charm of Jersey wit: sharp yet warmhearted. She had a fondness for bagels and pastries-simple indulgences that brought her joy.

Above all else, Laura was a devoted mother and daughter. She shared an especially close bond with her only child, James Bogdanski (of Los Angeles)-a relationship filled with tender and boundless love. Her parents, John F. Gubernat and Maud Gubernat (née Genung), predeceased her but remained ever-present in the values she upheld throughout her life. Laura is also survived by her adoring big brother John F. Gubernat of Aberdeen, New Jersey, and by Steven Jorjorian (formerly of Massachusetts), her beloved partner of 26 years who stood steadfastly by her side through blue skies and gray.

May Laura's memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire all whose lives she touched. Think of her whenever you are by the sea.

Memorial donations may be made to the American School for the Deaf, 139 N Main St, West Hartford, CT 06107.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Wilmington Funeral & Cremation - Leland Chapel located at 525 Village Road, Leland, NC 28451, (910) 791-9099.