In Memory of

Laurie

A.

Collins

(McGuire)

Obituary for Laurie A. Collins (McGuire)

Laurie A.Collins
(nee McGuire)


Henrietta: At home on July 4, 2018. Laurie Ann McGuire was born on October 22, 1961 to Mary Lou Ayers (nee DeYager) and Thomas Vincent McGuire and raised in Penfield/Webster graduating from Webster Schroeder in 1979. She was truly an amazing and beautiful soul.

In addition to her parents, Laurie is survived by her children, Caileigh Maureen (Alex) Phillips and Sean Patrick Collins, grandson, Graham Donald Phillips, husband, Patrick, brother Thomas (Donna) McGuire, stepmother, Claire McGuire and stepsister, Laura (Tony) Vaccaro. She is also survived by brothers- and sisters-in-law, Dan and Jeannie Collins, Julie Ayers, Jane Zulia, Eileen and Kenny Berbary and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Laurie was predeceased by her stepfather, Donald R. Ayers, stepbrother, Donald J. Ayers, brothers-in-law, George Robert Collins II and Stacy Zulia, father- and mother-in-law, Charles and Dana Collins, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and special friend, Terri DuFault (nee Robinson).

Loving her family and friends was such a joy for Laurie and she treasured the love that could not help but be returned. She was an adoring mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and wife. It's been said the most important thing parents can do for their children is to be in love with each other. True or not, it was a gift Laurie and Pat, married August 12, 1989, were lucky enough to give their children (although Jon Bon Jovi may have been able to steal her away...). Her hugs are desperately missed by all.

Laurie was a passionate educator and fierce child advocate over a career that spanned 30 years from her graduation from Nazareth College in 1987 until she officially retired last year. The majority of that career was proudly spent in her childhood district at Klem Road North Elementary School teaching Special Education for many years before finishing with second grade. She cherished her students and the relationships forged with colleagues in the crucible of today's variable education model. Laurie loved the coming of September as much as the third week of June---most years. The look on her face when a back-to-school ad aired in July was a sight to be seen. The travel opportunities afforded by her school schedule were well-appreciated by her family and lovely memories abound of Hawaii, Ireland, western national parks and many a Caribbean isle. The beach was a special place to her.

When she could no longer teach, she volunteered and trained to be a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in need. This she did despite her illness and, like her teaching career, she went in wholehearted. Many people wonder if their lives have made a positive difference in the world. There is no such question about her life.

Throughout her illness, Laurie was cared for by incredibly talented medical professionals. Of special note are Dr. Matthew C. Miller and nurses Carolyn Ruffing and Jo Ann Snyder, URMC Wilmot Cancer Center. Although no surgical skill could save her life, Dr. Miller's compassion always saved her hope. That hope, combined with her immeasurable strength and tenacity, allowed her the time to see her children make their own way in life--graduating college, her daughter's marriage to a wonderful man and the birth of the handsomest grandson ever. In the end, her children, and nurse sisters-in-law Julie and Eileen, gave her the gift to leave this life the way she lived it, with absolute love and grace.



An informal celebration of Laurie's life will be held on Saturday, July 28, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Flaherty's Three Flags Inn, 1200 Bay Road, Webster, 14580. Photos and stories are encouraged. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers... Well, she loved flowers. So, if you'd like, think of her and bring or send a bouquet to someone you love. She'd like that a lot. Charitable donations may also be made in her memory to the Monroe County Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (at casarochester.org). Arrangements by Stephenson-Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., Avon. To share a memory or send a condolence visit stephensondoughertyfuneralhome.com