Laura G. Dawley

Laura Esther Gallup passed on to be with her Lord on March 30, 2017 at the age of 105. Laura was born on January 14, 1912 in the Ekonk Hill section of Sterling, CT. She was the daughter of Edwin S. and Lena (Gordon) Gallup. Laura attended Plainfield High School and graduated in 1928 and in 1930 graduated from Willimantic Normal School. She then taught in a rural school in North Sterling, CT. Laura married Charles E. Dawley of Westerly, RI at the minister’s home in Plainfield on January 26, 1934. In conjunction with Laura’s sister, Florence Young, they managed a summer restaurant in Misquamicut. Charles and Laura lived in Misquamicut until the 1938 hurricane destroyed their home and restaurant. A new home was built on Winnapaug Road where Laura lived up to the day of her passing. Laura taught at the Borough School in Stonington, CT during the years of 1958-1972. During this time, she attended college to earn her B.A Degree from Eastern University.
Laura was predeceased by husband Charles Dawley, son Richard G. Dawley, sisters Florence Young and Evelyn Mortimer, and brother Arthur Gallup. She is survived by a daughter, Sara (Sally) Panciera and son-in-law Phil Panciera, a son Raymond Dawley and two grandchildren, Ernest C. Panciera and Kathryn L. Rathgaber and spouse Donald. Also surviving her are five great-grandchildren, Shawn (Jennifer), Scott and Ryan Rathgaber, Rachel Machado (Matt), Kyle (Elizabeth) Panciera and three great-great-grandchildren, Luke Machado, Teagan Panciera, and Brielle Rathgaber. Laura also leaves nieces and nephews in the Oneco and Sterling areas.
Laura was a life member of the International Order of Kings Daughters and Sons, member of the United Congregational Church of Pawcatuck-Westerly, Senior Center and past volunteer at the Westerly Hospital. Laura enjoyed a game of Bridge, enjoyed reading, and listening to the many accomplishments of children and grand-children. She was a loving mother, and grandmother whose wisdom, kindness, grace and gentle soul will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at the United Congregational Church 9 Castle Hill, Pawcatuck at 11am on Tuesday, April 4. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the church in Laura’s memory. Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com.

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