Billings, Laurel
Laurel R. Billings, of Guilford passed away peacefully January 30, 2020 in Yale New Haven Hospital with her life partner Richard Romao by her side. Born in California on March 29, 1943 daughter of the late Berhens and Helen Veitch Rossberg, Laurel was an English teacher at Wilbur Cross High School for 39 years (1966-2005). She loved her job. It was a vocational calling. It was in fact, the focus of her life for those 39 years. Upon her retirement, Laurel became an avid bridge player playing up to five days a week. She especially enjoyed bridge with her friends at the Guilford Community Center. She was forever grateful to Harry Rugg for his time and effort to teach her the game. Laurel spent her free time at home. She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed mysteries. She looked forward to her weekly scrabble game with her friend and neighbor Judy McGrath. Besides her life partner Richard, she is survived by her brother Behrens Rossberg Jr.; cousins Brenda (Thomas) Coffey, Candy (Jay) Piacenza and Georgianna Demir, Michael (Kathy) Hamilton, James Hamilton, and Richard, Donald and Laura Elrick; and nieces and nephews Thomas and Tyler Coffey, Tara Miller, Amy Guzzi, Adam Piacenza, and Erik and Kristen Rossberg; and dear friend Evertt Hart. Laurel was a free spirit rising above the sea of political correctness. You always took a chance when you asked Laurel a question. The sun blinked when Laurel died, and the universe lost a ray of sunshine. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Laurel's family would like to thank the staff of YNHH 6-1 Surgical ICU for the compassionate care they provided Laurel during her illness. At Laurel's request, services were held privately. The Iovanne Funeral Home, Inc. is in care of her arrangements. Share a memory and sign Laurel's guest book online at www.iovanne.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Haven Register on Feb. 4, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Laurel Billings

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58 Entries

Mariangely Arroyo

July 29, 2024

Mrs. Billings
Thank you for all the lessons learned. For always making sure we went above and beyond and to always think outside the box. You will always hold a special spot in my heart. My deepest condolences to my favorite teacher Mr. Romao you both gave it all for all your students. Thank you for being so funny and caringMay you rest in peace Mrs. Billings.

Carla Davis

January 29, 2021

She were always a beautiful soul. Everyone that i knew, that knew her, loved her.

Carla Davis/WCH 1987

Bruce Deegan

February 25, 2020

Laurel was a regular visitor to the Stony Creek post office. She never failed to dispel the clouds with her humor and sunny disposition. She purchased countless sheets of Elvis stamps, her favorite. Occasionally we'd dance to one of his tunes on the cd player.
She was truly a pleasure in every way-- friendly and fun, and I'll miss her lively visits tremendously.
My sincere condolences to her loved ones.
Whenever I hear an old Elvis tune, I'll picture her with a big smile on her face, dancing...

Eye Am a Poet

Baub Bidon

February 19, 2020

WoW! Was sitting here thinking about Mr Romao and started to online search. He was one of my favorite teachers. Eye(I) remember when they made it public that they were together. It was a beautiful moment. They were the teachers that showed it was ok to be goofy and not take ourselves too serious. They were meant for each other, twin flames. Now 30 plus years later at my computer saddened. My prayers go to Mr Romao, Her Family and Friends. May Laurel Billings continue to shine in the sun through the window of one of my favorite teachers. Much love and healing to you Mr Romao.

Carmel Rosadini

February 10, 2020

Miss Billings , You were one of my favorite teachers , you gave me confidence in speaking in front of people , and in myself by casting me in one of your plays. You made every day an adventure.
My sincere condolences to Mr Romano, another awesome teacher I remember fondly,

Heaven has no idea what hit them.
RIP
Carmel Piscitelli-Rosadini
Wilbur Cross Class of '73

Marie Holcomb Ready

February 10, 2020

Laurel and I graduated high school together in 1961 and have kept in touch over the years. She was always a happy and joyful presence at our reunions. In recent years we sometimes met for lunch with other classmates for "lunch bunch" dates. She was a delight!
When my mother passed away at age 100, Laurel sent me the most beautiful condolence letter and a generous check. She was a thoughtful and kind person in so many ways.
Reading all these remembrances from her former students has warmed my heart.

Lois Peccerillo

February 9, 2020

Laurel was the kind of teacher I would like to have been...She was a joy. She and Richard had a lovely house near the water in Guilford where they were always welcoming to unexpected visitors...

Melody Martin

February 9, 2020

Mrs. Billings was one of my favorite teachers. She made every class an adventure in learning and her sense of humor the best. My condolences to her family and to Mr. Romao (another of my favorites) Hold on to the good memories and the love.

Melody Martin
Class of 1974

Belinda Paca

February 8, 2020

My prayers are the family and Mr. Romao. These were 2 of my favorite teachers in High School. Ms. Billings will truly be missed. Wilbur Cross C/O 93
Belinda Paca

Michael De Palma

February 7, 2020

I often think about Mrs Billings English Class. She was by far the best teacher i every had and thats elementary, middle and high school included. Every student that passed through her door will agree.

She made every class exciting and different. Taught us different and extremely hard words no one used that meant everyday things. Yet taught them in a fun exciting way that made you want to never miss her class. Everything she did was different and exciting way of teaching and made the class one everyone wanted to see on their schedule

She helped us all with life skills and being prepared to face the world. She was so much more then just an english teacher. She was simply amazing!!!

She will be missed. RIP MS BILLINGS WILL ALWAYS LOVE AND REMEMBER YOU. You changed lives everyday

Class of 1976

Lisa Montalvo

February 7, 2020

I had the great pleasure of meeting you for the first time . Now I know why my husband always raved and had great stories about you. I was glad to have met you. You were everything he said and much more. It sounds so cliche but your smile does light up a room. I too am glad our paths crossed and was blessed to have you in my presence for that moment. You made me feel as if I knew you all my life. As my Native American ancestors would say as I. I wish you well on your journey till we all meet again. R.I.P. Our Angel.... Lisa (Dominic) Montalvo

Dominic Montalvo

February 6, 2020

Miss Billings you were the reason we all looked forward to coming to school. You always made it a better day for all of us. I can remember back in 78' you made us all stand up in front of the class one at a time to express ourselves. But class night was one of the best memories. I am glad to have had you for my English teacher for my Jr and senior years. You were and always will be the best teacher that anyone could ever ask for. Thanks for the memories. My deepest sympathies go out to Mr. Romao and the family and all who knew her. The Lord has another angel to watch over us . R.I.P. Miss Billings . I am so glad the Lord blessed us with the many years we all had with you. Forever in my heart as well as many.. Class of 78'

Tanya Hagans

February 6, 2020

A wonderful, funny, and amazing instructor to a lot of students who lives she touched, Ms Billings was an awesome teacher, I was a new student transferring from NY to Wilbur cross and on my first day she did a English vocabulary sentence test and I passed it in a matter of minutes and once she was done going over my quiz she asked me why am I not in an honor or college level course of English. I told her I didn't know and she immediately wanted me to transfer my classes so I can be challenged better. But I stayed in her class and enjoyed every minute. It was never a dull moment. She will be missed. My sympathy to her family for their loss.

Edistine Robinson

February 6, 2020

Thank you Ms. Billings for being a positive influence in my life. The stars in the Heavens as just became bringer now.

Edistine S Robinson
Governors class of 1968

February 6, 2020

Rich. My prayers are with Laurel and my thoughts are with you. Larry Casey

Tashima Payne

February 6, 2020

She was my favorite. Such a lovely spirit to be around and funny. She would call me baby Payne,because my brother and I look alike. You've gained your wings. S.I.P Mrs.Billings ❤
#classof"98"

Albert Acosta

February 5, 2020

Ms. Billings,

Thank you so much for being our English teacher.

You were not only brilliant, but the coolest, the most dynamic, the hippest, and always full of love and joy.

God bless you and your family.

Albert Acosta

February 5, 2020

Ms. Billings,

Thank you so much for being our English teacher.

You were not only brilliant, but the coolest teacher, the most dynamic, the most caring, the hippest, and always full of love and joy.

God bless you and your family.

Albert Acosta

John Hansen

February 5, 2020

My friend Laurel>>

Looking back on the several years during which I taught at WCHS with you, I must say that you were the best soul I remember from that place. The students adored you, and I depended on you for your witty words, your sound advice, and, at times, your apparent insanity in the face of the TRUE craziness that surrounded all of us there.

Our paths crossed again after life had thrown both of us some curve-balls. I look forward to seeing you again, "on the other side"
when and where we will laugh again.

Much love --

John Hansen, Jr.

February 5, 2020

So sorry to hear this prayers to the family. She was a great teacher and person she will be missed.

Sara Molleur

Debra Smith

February 5, 2020

I was sadden to hear that Mrs. Billings passed. She was an excellent English teacher, friend and confidant. She touched everyone that she ever met with her funny attire, makeup and sunny disposition. May she RIP she was a Giant in the lives of the students that met her at Wilbur L Cross High School.

Debra Smith 78

Debra Smith

February 5, 2020

Rosemary Zych

February 5, 2020

Sorry to hear of Laura's passing. She was one great English teacher that I will never forget. I mean who else would take their yearbook photo with some of their students? Well she did! My condolences to all. Rest in peace Mrs. Billings

Lillian (Lopez) Marquez

February 5, 2020

Blessings to Mr Romano and family. Best Crazy teacher ever. Never a duel moment in your room. You were even able to touch my sons life you were his teacher as well. Class of 80 and class of 03. RIB Ms. Billings.

Dianne Lowndes

February 5, 2020

Miss Billings was my english teacher for my freshman and sophomore year at Wilbur Cross, I will always remember her pleasant and jovial smile. Miss Billings was always encouraging and easy to talk to. Miss Billings, you will be forever in my heart.

Patricia Lucan

February 5, 2020

I am so sorry to read of Laurel's passing. She truly was a bright light and amazing woman. My deepest condolences to her family and to Rich.
Wishing God's peace,
Patricia Lucan

Andy Bram

February 5, 2020

I am heartbroken to hear of Laurel's passing. She was a great teacher who inspired students and a colleague who always approached work with a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. The Cross staff shared the full gambit of experiences from striking, to Camp Harrell, to murder of Anthony, the renovations, sporting events, the senior class advisor, and proms and graduation. One of my greatness regrets is that I lost touch them both. They were a great fit for each other! My deepest condolences to her family and of course to Richard

February 5, 2020

She was an awesome teacher

Nicole Martin Rivera

February 5, 2020

So sorry for the loss of Ms. Billings. Although I never had her as a teacher I remember what a kind and generous person she was. She was one of a kind and I was privileged to know her. My prayer go out to Mr. Romao and her family. She will be missed.

Class of 89

February 5, 2020

I will never forget her, she made me feel good about myself when other classmates made fun of me. She called me an exotic beauty boy you should have seen my classmates face the other girls looked so mad. She will be missed I don't remember most of my teacher name but I will always remember her RIP.

Paul Violano

February 5, 2020

My condolences for your loss.

Paul Violano
WC Class of 76

RIck Clough

February 5, 2020

She was instrumental in talking me into going to college. She was a beautiful woman and person. Her work is going to reverberate for generations through the many students she taught and inspired.

Frank DeGennaro

February 5, 2020

Very sad to hear this news. My condolences goes out to the whole Billings family. RIP Ms Billing. Thanks for everything you have done. Class of 1976

Christine Claxton Jones

February 5, 2020

To The Family, My Sympathy Miss Billings Was a Sweet heart! a Bubbly Spirit,, and Such a Fun loving " Teacher"! @ One of The " Best"! Her Memory Has not , Or Will not Be Forgotten. She Was My English Teacher @ Wilbur Cross High School. " love you! miss billings.❤ Prayers For Comfort In This Time Of Sorrow. Godbless.

Roseann Esposito

February 5, 2020

May you rest in peace Ms Billings.... you were a great English teacher & a free spirit you have made so many wonderful memories with a lot of your students at Wilbur Cross & you will receive those angel wings that you earned by helping so many of us throughout our teenage years in high school May you rest in peace & our condolences to Mr Ramao & your extended family

Tania Rodriguez

February 5, 2020

First of all my condolences to the family and friends.Ms.Billings was my English teacher at Wilbur Cross.She was a fun and happy teacher.She always made us learn vocabulary words. Rest In Peace.She a wonderful woman who was so sunny and silly that's why she was one of the best teachers.

Elizabeth Forslund

February 4, 2020

So sorry for your loss! She will be missed, always enjoyed her conversations

Pamela Mccain

February 4, 2020

Thank you Ms. Billings for the way you loved us, all of your students. You were one of the nicest and caring people I have ever met. You were my favorite teacher at Cross. Your dedication to your students and Cross was something that can never be dupilcated. You will be greatly missed. My condolences to Mr. Romano and The Billings family.
Cross High Class of 89

Michele A

February 4, 2020

Mrs Billings
You were the best teacher I ever had at Wilbur Cross. You were fun and silly I remember you always getting ready for Mr Romao to come see you......prayers to your family.
Love Michele C/O 1996

Michelle Mauro Christian

February 4, 2020

Ms Billings, You definitely made English fun! I looked forward to going to your class everyday. I still tell the stories of our school play ... The Cone Heads, Blackjack (Kojack) and Donna & Marie. You were one special lady!
Rest in Peace.

Melissa Ardito

February 4, 2020

Ms Billings you touched so many lives. I will always remember your caring, supportive, and zaney ways. You made learning fun and empowered everyone to be the best. May you rest in peace. C/O 91.

Luis Camacho

February 4, 2020

Rock the heavens Ms.Billings my condolences to the family. Luis Camacho class of 04
GOOOSIEEE!!!!!!!

Rose Mentone

February 4, 2020

I am in complete shock hearing of her death. Laurel and I were neighbors in the E wing of Wilbur Cross High School and shared many laughs and tears over the years we were colleagues. We were on strike together many times and were jail mates together during the 1975 teachers' strike. I will miss her so much. R.I.P.my friend!

Henry Wiley

February 4, 2020

You were definitely one of a kind funny, caring, nuturing an example for teachers as well as human beings in general.
You will be greatly missed and forever loved by many.

Jannetta Mills

February 4, 2020

Going to miss you, thanks for your hard work in teaching all your students. You made sure that we did learn, and had lot of fun with you. My condolences to the family, lots of love and god bless.She was one of my favorite teacher.

Regina Price Hatch

February 4, 2020

Mrs B. Was my English teacher for 2 years and I loved going her class. She made the class fun and interesting and made us wanting to attend her class. I have a plenty of memories of her class from our journals to having us make things to hang around her classroom.
The best memory I have is when Mr. (Richard) Romao aka Pappa Smurf asked Mrs. B to marry him by putting it on his class window for us all to see and then waiting for her to answer. Mrs. B was so excited and happy just like a young girl. Eventually she responded to him by placing her answer on her window for everyone to see. She said YES!!!! We all were so excited for them.
Mrs. B will be missed by all and especially me and the class of 93. Rest easy our precious angel Mrs.Band fly high and watch over us all.

Diane T

February 4, 2020

Ms. Billings,

I hope you knew what a difference you made in so many lives. You were a warm, kind hearted soul who inspired and touched all who interacted with you. You definitely put many smiles on my face and gave me lots of encouragement when teen life was tough.

Thank you and God Bless. Until we meet again....

Kelly Carpentino-Neubauer

February 4, 2020

Thank you Miss Billings for all the memories in High School. I have fond memories of you and Mr. Romano. You made coming to school tolerable and definitely taught me to question everything and think outside the box. RIP eternally knowing you touch so many lives and shaped so many young minds.

Thank you!

Tony Harrison Rosa

February 4, 2020

Mrs. Billings Thank you for all you did for your students including me.

Sometimes you never know how your students are going to turn out but kind words and encouragement bodes well in a young man's mind.
Thx you and God bless your family

DONNA CALDEIRA

February 4, 2020

Thank You Miss Billings. You were a great lady.A great teacher. You always made school fun. R.I.P.

Mike Leite

February 4, 2020

Thank you Miss Billings for making English so much fun.. you made a lasting impact on me forever since the day I met you!! Rip you had such a beautiful life

Martin James (80) Cross

February 4, 2020

What a Beautiful spirit Ms. Billings was as she made expanding your vocabulary fun! My most heartfelt condolences & thoughts are with you Mr. Ramao and her loved ones ...I wish all teachers brought the same energy you guys did each and everyday for generations :-) ! What a Blessing she was to many as she inspired the masses...

Bridgette Bagley Ford

February 4, 2020

Ms Billings, was such a Lovely person inside and out, she made learning English so much fun back in the day, 1978. Her outfits were Always Wild & Crazy & we Loved them. It saddens me to hear of her demise, but she is bring Lots of Joy & Sunshine to her new Home!!

February 4, 2020

I Had Her As My College English II Teacher My Sr.Yr. In High School & She Was The Best Teacher. She Will Definitely Be Missed. Ayeisha Wells

February 4, 2020

One of my favorite teachers at Wilbur Cross... she was funny and loved kids... I'm sure I drove her crazy few days out of the month while in her class.. but she would always treat me with respect as I would give her respect as well.. good times as one of her students.. Aaron S. Fleming C/O1992..

Antoinette Bivona

February 4, 2020

Rip Laurel. It was a pleasure having you as my English teacher. My condolences to the family.

Cheryl Senberg

February 4, 2020

She was my high school english teacher she made learning fun..was my favorite teacher by far..sorry to her family for their loss..she made an inpack on so many kids.

Heartbroken Student Wilbur Cross

February 4, 2020

Ms Billings was the absolute, hands down, greatest teacher of all time! She was the reason so many of us thrived at Wilbur Cross High School! From myself and the class of 1983, Rest in Peace and thank you for having such a positive impact on our lives!

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