AUBURN | Laura (Laurie) W. Stratton, 57, of Auburn, passed peacefully into the hands of the Lord surrounded by her children on May 28, 2013.  Laurie was born in Auburn, the daughter of Stasha Schell and the late Edward Schell and resided in Auburn for most of her life. 

Laurie was a graduate of the Cayuga Onondaga BOCES School of Nursing and dedicated her career to caring for others.  Her compassion and sincerity aided many of her patients through difficult times.  Her true passion and job was that of a mother.  Her children were her focus in life and not a day passed that she did not reach out to them (or her mom or sister) to let them know how much they were loved.  In her free time, she enjoyed gardening and spending time with her close family.  She was a devout Catholic, whose faith helped others appreciate life. Throughout her life, she loved and cared for many pets, including her two dogs, Sunshine and Wilma, her many cats, birds, and adopted furry friends. 

Laurie was the most excited to spend holidays with her family.  Her home was illuminated for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and even Halloween.  Flowers surrounded her house and vegetables were abundantly available to anyone throughout the summer. 

Her huge heart, compassion, kindness, and love of life will be truly missed.  She was always the life of the party and her smile brightened up every room.  In recent months, she dedicated most of her time to her new granddaughter, Emily, who was the apple of her eye. 

Surviving are her loving children, Mary (Chris) Stefan, Paul (Katie) Stratton, Andrea (Chris) Hansen, and Hector (Amy) Laureano; her sister, Cindy (Vince) Preuss; her brother, David Schell; her granddaughter, Emily Stefan, and her many nephews. 

In honor of our Mom's happy spirit and love of life, we ask that all friends and family dress in color to help her spirit shine as bright as her smile. 

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Saturday at Holy Family Church.  Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fleming.  Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday (today) at White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., 197 South St., Auburn. 

Donations may be sent to the Humane Association of CNY, 4915 1/2 West Taft Road, Liverpool, NY 13088, in Laurie's name.