Laurie J.  Simpson Churchill of Red Hook, NY, a retired teacher at Emma C. Chase Elementary School in Wurtsboro, and a longtime resident of the area passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side on Thursday, January 28, 2016, in Poughkeepsie.  She was 69.

The daughter of the late Robert Simpson and Edith Colonel Simpson, she was born April 06, 1946 in Brooklyn, New York. Shortly after, her family moved to Massapequa Park.

She was a loving wife, mother, Nana, mother-in-law and educator. Our mom loved her family more than anything in the world.  Her life with our father began at SUNY Oneonta in 1964 when he hazed her during her freshman year.  She thought he was the most handsome man she’d ever met. They married in 1968 following her graduation, on July 20th of that year.  Their marriage began with time spent in Ohio, Texas and Missouri.  It was in Missouri that her role of mother began.  She spent the next 10 years focusing all of her love on us, her children, and we are 3 of the luckiest children in the world. 

Not only did she love her own children, but she loved all children.  She loved every single one of the children that she taught over her 27 year career. Her career spanned 4 states and all grades pre-k to grade 6. Many a night was spent trying to plan and create anything and everything that would help her students be successful.  Nothing brought her more joy then seeing the smiles on their faces. 

Our mom never missed a game, a concert, a show.  She was the epitome of a devoted mother and educator.  Many a summer was spent swimming and playing at Wanaksink Lake with us and our grandparents Evelyn and Gerry Churchill, Grammy and Pa. 

Upon retirement, our parents began the next phase of the journey, and retired to their home in Green Valley, AZ.  They had long hoped to be able to fulfill their dream of a desert oasis.  What a joy it was for her to spend her days basking in the sun with our dad, watching the coyotes, javalinas and hummingbirds pass by.

There are no words for how much we loved and cherished our mother.  But, it brings us comfort to know that she has joined her beloved god-parents, Aunt Marge, Uncle Harvey and his wife Aunt Carol.  Good bye- my love.  We raise our eyes and hearts to you.

Survivors include her

Husband,      Jeffrey at home

Son,          Ian M. Churchill of Los Angeles, CA

Daughter,     Amy E. Swarup and her husband Vinay of Pleasant Valley, NY

Daughter,     Sarah K. Churchill of Long Island City, NY

3 Grandchildren: Neelam J., Nayan J., and Nolan J.

and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 2, 2016 from 5-8pm. at Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St. Walden, NY.

Burial will be private in Wallkill Valley Cemetery in Walden, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family strongly requests donations be made to either Mamakating Library Children’s Corner attn: Barbara Semonite , PO Box 806 Wurtsboro, NY 12790 or The SUNY Oneonta Alumni Association at suny-oneonta.edu/alumni-friends.  Click on “Make a Gift”. Donations can be made in memory of Laurie J. (Simpson) Churchill ’68.

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