Laura Mary Kowalski (born LEOKADYA MARYA ZUKOWSKA), 94, passed away on May 20, 2015 with her family by her side. Born in Bridgeport, CT on June 7, 1920 to parents Alexander Andrew and Marianne (Dawid) Zukowski; she attended local Catholic schools before graduating from Central High School in 1938. On September 13, 1941, she married Edmond Paul Kowalski. After the birth of their first son they moved to Tucson, Arizona where she helped in her husband's business, ABC Builders, and added to the family with another son and two daughters. The family moved back to Connecticut in 1962 and settled in Stratford. Laura went to work as a cashier for Bridgeport Hospital from 1963 until her retirement in 1993. In 2012, she moved to New Hampshire to be closer to her family. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her beloved daughter Suzanne Kowalski DiGregorio, and her three brothers, Chester, Stanley, and Walter Zukowski. She is survived by her children Edmond Kowalski Jr. of Henniker, NH, Michael Kowalski of Seminole, FL and Laura Maine of Deering, NH; four grandchildren, Erica Kowalski of Deerfield, NH, Suzanne Richard of Deering, NH, Elizabeth DiGregorio of Royal Oak, MI, and Michael Kowalski of Sevierville, TN. She also leaves behind four great-grandchildren; Cooper, Taggart, Brady and Julian, many nieces and nephews as well as loving caretakers Donna Lee Guthrie of Deering, NH and Nancy Struff of Concord, NH. The family would also like to recognize the nurses and staff at The Birches at Concord and Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center who cared for her through her struggles with failing health. She was an extremely hard worker, devoted to her family above all else and will be greatly missed. ARRANGEMENTS: Her Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 11:00AM at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 310 Pulaski St, Bridgeport, CT followed by interment in the St. Michael's Cemetery, 2205 Stratford Ave., Stratford, CT. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to a charity of one's choice. Assisting the family with arrangements Phaneuf Funeral Home, Manchester, NH. For more information, please visit www.phaneuf.net.

Published by Connecticut Post on May 22, 2015.