Laura Calabrese

Family-Placed Obituary

CALABRESE, Laura Ann 86, of Springfield, passed away Sunday, April 30, 2006, in her residence. She was born on January 21, 1920, the daughter of W.T. and Stella Coler Coss. Ann graduated from Ohio University with a degree in journalism and worked for the Columbus Citizen and the Springfield News Sun. She later earned a B.S. degree in education from the University of Dayton and a master's degree in education from Wright State University. She was employed by the Springfield City Schools for 25 years as a teacher. She retired in 1985 holding the position of mathematics curriculum facilitator for the city schools. Her work with students continued with her volunteering for the RIF program, the Warder Park Library Literacy Center, and the STARS Program. Ann was a member and past president of Delta Kappa Gamma, and was active with the Urban League Guild where she was honored for her contributions to the community. An avid sports fan, she won a medal in the senior Olympics for free throw shooting. Ann is survived by her loving daughters and their spouses; Susan and Jan Samuels with whom she resided; Fritzie and James Hagan of Crestwood, Kentucky; granddaughters Tammy and Cathy Elliott; grandsons and spouses Tim and Lea Elliott of Springfield, and Jamie, Brian, Al and Cara Hagan of Louisville, Kentucky, six great grandchildren, sisters Clara Burnette of Virginia and special sister Jane Stewart of South Charleston; her favorite brother-in-law and wife, Robert "Dutch" and Marie Calabrese, and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Alfred and daughter Rose; her brothers Tom, Noel, Frank, Raymond, and Bud Coss, and sisters Mary Snyder, Frances Donohue, and Pauline Lease. A memorial mass will be held at St. Bernard Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday. The family will greet friends in the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hayward Middle School Boosters, 1700 Clifton Avenue, Springfield, or the American Alzheimer's Association. The family is being served by the CONROY FUNERAL HOME.