Laura led a singularly whimsical and charmed life. Born in Serra do Santo Antonio, Portugal, to Laurenco and Belmira Galo, she was the third of five children, beloved by her two surviving sisters, Maria and Natalia, with whom she remained very close to her last day.

Raised on a farm, alive with activity from sun up to sun down, Laura, who had an affinity for and special communication with animals, would soon become an indispensable part of its operation.  At the age of 12, after leaving school, she would be entrusted with a flock of sheep that she shepherded daily to the fields and back and would boast proudly of never having lost one. Years later, after emigrating to the United States, she would continue to show extreme pride and satisfaction in the many jobs she held as a member of the HARC community. 

To her many nieces and nephews Laura was a fun and faithful playmate whom she entertained with joyful abandon, and when the next playmate generation of grand nephews and nieces came along the playing continued …

The family will forever be grateful to the devoted staff at various state homes where Laura lived later in life and where she was loved and cared for attentively.

Rest in peace dear sister and aunt. You will live forever in our hearts “Sootie”.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, (September 6), from 9:00am to 10:30am at Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00am at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 50 Kane Street, Hartford. Burial will follow in Bolton Center Cemetery, Bolton. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.