Obituary of Laura B. Pellenz

Laura B. Pellenz, 93, a lifelong resident of Syracuse, died on Saturday evening surrounded by her family. Throughout her life, Laura dedicated herself to her family, her friends, and her faith. She retired from Hall & McChesney in 1981 after many years as a working mother. As a lifelong communicant of Transfiguration Church, Laura was a former member of the Mother's Club and the Altar and Rosary Society. Often, she could be found sitting at her Pfaff sewing machine - quickly whipping up an ultra suede outfit for herself and finely stitched outfits for her family and friends. Laura's cooking would make Julia Child proud - her recipes (including, but not limited to: sauerbraten, halfmoons, and Thanksgiving stuffing) were beyond delicious and the fond memories of holiday feasts and Sunday dinners that she created will live forever in our hearts. Laura shared her life for 71 years with her beloved husband John "Jack". The two saw North America - usually from the windows of their Chevy Caprice, played a little golf, and were known to enjoy an occasional (ie. every) Yankee game while sitting on their davenport. They also shared their golden years with several dogs who always became members of the family. Laura's family also includes her three children: Jacqueline Shepardson of Fayetteville, Peter Pellenz of Murrells Inlet, SC, John (Donna) Pellenz of Chittenango; her sister Jane Drazek of Syracuse; her grandchildren: Chris (Tina) Shepardson, Peter (Karen) Shepardson, John (Linda) Pellenz, Laura (Edward Lentz) Shepardson, Jamie (Denise) Pellenz, Jeffrey (Lauren) Pellenz, David Pellenz; 9 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and multiple grand-pets. She was pre-deceased by a brother and two sisters: Henry Banaszek, Anne Hancewicz and Helen Whitt, and her son-in-law, Thomas Shepardson. Laura's family and friends will gather at 9:30am on Wednesday in Transfiguration Church to celebrate her life. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Dewitt. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 5-8pm at the Goddard-Crandall-Shepardson Funeral Home, 3111 James Street. In appreciation for the tender and compassionate care that Laura received on the D South at James Square, the family suggests contributions be made to the James Square Employee Holiday Fund, 918 James Street, Syracuse 13203 in lieu of flowers.