Obituary of Laurel Ann Welcome

Laurel Ann (Strock) Welcome, 69 of Troy passed into eternal rest on October 20, 2018 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Laurel was born in 1949 in Troy and was the daughter of the late Vey and Reita Strock of Troy. Laurel was a graduate of Troy High School class of 1967. Laurel was employed by New York State for 37 1/2 years. She began working for the New York State Department of Education, and continued her career until her retirement in 2004 at the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. She enjoyed her work as a Data Entry Supervisor. Laurel was very involved in the Troy School PTA and was later elected to the Troy School Board. Laurel was also very proud of serving her community on the Troy City Council. Laurel was also an elected official for the New York State CSEA union. Laurels proudest accomplishment was the family that she and her husband Leonard created together. Laurel enjoyed spending her time with her children and grandchildren. She especially enjoyed teaching her children and grandchildren how to cook so that her cherished recipes would be passed down for generations to come. Laurel enjoyed traveling to her favorite vacation destinations which included Maine and Las Vegas. In addition to her husband Leonard F Welcome Sr., Laurel is survived by her devoted children Stephanie (John) Gezzo of Troy, Jeannine (Angelo) Casale of Valley Falls, Stephanie (Erik) Pelletier of Berlin, Leonard (Kerry) Welcome Jr. of East Greenbush, Rianne (Nicholas) Romeo of Troy, Caron (Michael) Crouse of Colonie. Laurel is also survived by her loving grandchildren John Gezzo III, Marisa (David) Jabour, Cierra and Laurel Casale, Stephen and Erika Pelletier, Charles, Caleb, and Chloe Welcome, Nicholas and Anna Romeo, and Lila Crouse. In addition, Laurel is survived by her two great-grandchildren David and Laurel Jabour. Laurel is the sister of Karen Beditz of Troy and is survived by many nieces and nephews. She also left behind her beloved dog Roxy. Laurel was predeceased by her two infant grandchildren Sarah Pelletier and Christopher Welcome and her three brothers Carl, Dwight, and Everest Strock. A memorial service in honor of Laurel will be held on Saturday October 27, 2018 at 10:00 am, Sacred Heart Church Pawling Avenue Troy. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in Laurels memory can be made to the Hildegard Medicus Cancer Center in Troy, or The Rensselaer County Hospice. A special thank you to Dr. Manigi, and the entire staff at the Hildegard Medicus Cancer Center and the many devoted staff of St. Marys Palliative Care Team, and Rensselaer County Hospice. Memorial Mass 10:00 am - 11:00 am Saturday, October 27, 2018 Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church 310 Spring Avenue Troy, New York, United States 12180