Laura Dennerley's Obituary
Laura (Lanagan) Dennerley, 71, passed away peacefully at her home in Union, Connecticut, on February 22, 2026.
She was born on October 25, 1954, in Stafford Springs, Connecticut and was named Laura Lee. She was first born daughter of the late Albert N. and Yvonne G. Lanagan. She reminisced fondly about her childhood, recalling happy memories on High Street with her loving parents, close-knit siblings, and the many neighborhood families who made growing up in the Borough so special. She attended St. Edward’s School before graduating from Stafford High School in 1972. Among the many hallmarks of a life well lived, Laura dedicated 35 years of service to the University of Connecticut. She began her career in Extended and Continuing Education and concluded it as Business and Financial Manager in the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Throughout her years there, she built deep friendships and meaningful connections that extended far beyond her retirement.
Laura lived a life marked by strength, fierce devotion to her family and friends, unfiltered honesty, and a generous spirit that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She loved to travel and adventure with her vintage camper, host lively celebrations and epic theme parties, attend bluegrass festivals, and listen to music under summer skies. She also found deep joy at home, decorating for each season, preparing delicious meals in her kitchen, and cultivating incredible gardens alongside her husband — taking even greater pleasure in generously sharing their bounty with others. She was a wonderful storyteller with a laugh as big and fun as her spirit. Most of all, she shared an extraordinarily loyal and loving bond with the people in her life.
Laura is survived by many cherished loved ones, including her husband, John Dennerley, with whom she shared 40 wonderful years; siblings: David Lanagan and his wife Jean, Yvonne Lanagan and her husband Maury Schold, Michael Lanagan and his partner Lisa Nesbitt, and Diane Perko and her husband David; nieces and nephews: Amber Lanagan and her husband Jeff Legere, David Lanagan and his wife Katherine, Jean Marie Lanagan and her partner Martin Davila, Emily Perko and her fiancé Chad Eairheart; and many cousins, great-nieces and nephews, in-laws, and extended family, including her special girl Amber Wakley. She was predeceased by her parents Albert N. and Yvonne G. Lanagan, brother, Albert L. Lanagan, and her nephew, Avery Schold. She will be deeply missed by a wide circle of friends — many of whom she shared lifelong connections with — as well as in her cherished roles as a Chili Brother Mother and devoted member of the “Cape Club.” The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to neighbors Claudette Pelletier and Rick Gottier for their kindness and assistance around the house, and express deep gratitude to Manchester Memorial Hospital's John A. DeQuattro Cancer Center and Laura’s caregiver, Cindy Kabel, for their tremendous care and unwavering support, as well as Brenda Henderson.
Calling hours will be held at Introvigne Funeral Home in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, with a memorial service to take place at 4:00 PM. Burial in St. Edward Cemetery, Stafford Springs, Connecticut, will be held privately. During her battle with cancer, Laura deeply empathized with children facing similar challenges and treatments. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in her name (ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online at https://stjude.org). Above all, those remembering Laura are encouraged to live the life she loved: prepare a dish for someone you care about, grow or gift flowers (especially gladiolus), seek out fun adventures, laugh loudly, listen to music that fills your heart, and surround yourself with the people you love and cherish. Celebrate the joy she brought into your world. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: https://www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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