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Laura Chacona Obituary
Ithaca: Laura Lee Chacona, age 66, of Ithaca, NY, passed away peacefully on December 18th, 2012 in Lunenburg, MA surrounded by her family after a heroic battle with kidney cancer. Laura was born in 1946 in the borough of the Bronx in New York City to parents, the late Max and Sylvia Fishberg. She received a B.A. in special education from SUNY Cortland and Masters degrees from City College and SUNY Cortland. For over 25 years Laura served the Ithaca City School District as a special education administrator and support teacher. She retired in June 2012 from the Lehman Alternative Community School, where she was beloved by students and faculty alike. Laura enjoyed running, knitting, cooking, classical music, visual art, zumba, singing with the Mostly Motown group, walking her dogs, motorcycle rides, and just spending time with friends. She was regarded as quite the "fashionista" by all who knew her, and had a creative gift for artfully assembling outfits with an effortless elegance that ranged in style from the classic Ithaca flax chic to funky rocker. Laura had a very special relationship with her twin sister Barbara's grandchildren, and when she visited them in Massachusetts, they only wanted to spend time with her. Laura held a special affinity for Cape Cod and looked forward to the family vacation there every summer. Laura was the widow of the late George S. Chacona and is survived by her son Nickolas Chacona his wife Shanan, twin sister Barbara Hoos & her husband Gunther, younger sister Mary Ann Kock, sister-in-law Maria Schirmer, nieces Tanya Crowley, Vanessa Andris, Venetia Kanellos, nephews Keyan Hoos, Marcus Chacona, Mark, Peter, & Leon Zaharis, and Michael Opolicky close friends Kathy Dusinberre-Carvel, Joseph Hartnett Hughes, Adelaide Gomer, and Rolfe Sokol, and her dogs Chewey & Hoover.
A Memorial Service will be held in her honor at a later date at the Lehman Alternative Community School in Ithaca, NY. In Lieu of flowers please send all charitable donations to the Lehman Alternative Community School (111 Chestnut Street, Ithaca, NY 14850), or the Cancer Resource Center of the Fingerlakes (612 W State St Ithaca, NY 14850).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Laura Chacona
December 14, 2013
I have no idea if this even gets read one year later, but I just read Laura's obituary in the Cortland Alumni magazine. As a freshman, 'the twins from New City' ( as I seemed to always remember them) fascinated me. They were funny, friendly, and so much more sophisticated then I. Having similar Bronx roots but relocated to Lake Mohegan, they taught me a lot! I have thought of them often and always wondered where they ended up-my sincere condolences to Barbara and both families- it is certainly too soon to be 'losing' classmates.
Elaine (Shore) Weiss
January 5, 2013
Nick,
Losing my mother was the hardest thing to endure and I lost my first born and that certainly was hard enough. The more time spent with someone the more connection we have with them. A mother always is a mother from the day we are born and even after they pass away. We are left with those memories of them giving us life and through their love and caring they are always with us through the day we die. Laura is in our hearts and soul. I'm privileged to have known her.
Bob Allen
January 4, 2013
I remember her bright smile and happy demeanor. She was a tremendous influence in our son's life. Laura really made a difference. She will be missed.
Kelleena Richards
December 31, 2012
Laura,
I will remember you as a kind, funny, wonderful woman and encouraging friend. You and George welcomed so many of us into your warm, loving home. May you rest in peace always.
Tessa Flores
December 29, 2012
We are so sad to hear of Laura's passing. Love to all the family,and especially to Nick, from Tessa Flores and Ira Goldstein
Emily Sosna
December 27, 2012
Ms. Chacona was one of my favorite teachers. My thoughts are with her family
December 27, 2012
Laura was a wonderful supporter of all students. She was such a cheerful presence at LACS.
Our deepest sympathy,
Hannah Feldshuh and her family
David Feldshuh and Martha Frommelt
Steven Freidmutter
December 27, 2012
My heart is heavy. Condolences to Nick and family. Laura and George were such good friends and now they are both gone. Sad and shaken but blessed to have had them both in my life.
Jennifer Johnson
December 25, 2012
Laura was a great person and even more wonderful teacher. I am sorry to hear about her being gone. Heaven has gained a wonderful angel.
Randy Sterling
December 24, 2012
Nick and family,
So "shocked" to hear of Laura's passing. I lost track of her and now I see how come. Be assured of my prayers and thoughts in your regard. Stay strong as both Mom and Dad were survivors. I will always remember the times I stopped in with the patrol car and was able to get a good cup of coffee and usually some pastry or baklava also.
Clio Andris
December 24, 2012
We all loved Aunt Laura so much. You could always count on her to give you great advice and her honest opinion it in a way that was never hurtful, always sweet and well-intentioned. Aunt Laura was a very stong woman with a playful heart. Well pray for her as she takes this next journey and is reunited with Uncle George.
Mary Ann Kock
December 24, 2012
Laura was a very special person whose light touched everyone's heart. We all loved her dearly and will miss her. But, look up in the sky and you will see her looking down on all of us.
Helen Obermeyer Simmons
December 24, 2012
I have been thinking of Laura and her family over the past few days. I only met her a few times but I know she was very special to her niece Tanya and nephew Keyan and their children.
My prayers go out to her family, and especially to Barbara and Gunther who shared their home with her and cared for Laura over the past few months.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Tselekis
December 24, 2012
Thnking of all of you after reading of Laura's passing. She was a wonderful women. Thoughts and Prayers are with you. Sincerly, John, Cherie and Peter John Tselekis.
Matty Termotto
December 24, 2012
Rest well, sweet lady.
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