Obituary of Laurie D. Priest

Mrs. Laurie D. Priest, age 58, of Gloversville, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday evening, January 30, 2017, surrounded by her friends, family and beloved cats. She was born March 8, 1958 in Gloversville, the daughter of Leonard and Edith Rochat Phillips. Laurie was employed as a registered nurse for 34 years, including the Su Indian Reservation in South Dakota, St. Mary's Hospital, Amsterdam, and 19 years at Community Health Center where she was certified mental health registered nurse. Her affiliations were with Magic Garden Philadelphia, FOVPA, and Collar City Clay Guild. Laurie was dedicated to her profession as a mental health nurse. She spent many hours creating beautiful works of art using several mediums which she would then donate to different community agencies. She will be deeply missed by everyone that knew her. Laurie is survived by an uncle and two aunts, Richard Bump (Donna), Emma Brayton and Louise Broat (Robert); many cousins including Yvonne Baird (Ronald), Deborah Jackson (Thomas), John Borst, Wayne Borst and Richard Bump; several friends: Tammy Merendo (Jason Martin), Jodi Gil, Jeanie Dake, Neal McManus (Shirleen) and Ginger Lowe. She was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Richard A. Priest, as well as cousins Howard Borst and Linda Stanzel, whose husband, Kevin, survives. The family will receive relatives and friends from 3 to 5:00pm Friday, February 3 at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St; Gloversville where a celebration of life service will follow at 5:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Regional Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 1274, Gloversville or to The Cat Sanctuary and Information Center, P.O. Box 344, Gloversville.