Laurie Bereza

Laurie Bereza (Buell) said goodbye to this world on April 30th after courageously battling a long illness.

Known for her sense of humor, quick wit and inner strength, Laurie leaves behind a multitude of friends and family and a mark on this world that won't soon be forgotten. She was born on September 26th, 1980 and graduated from Catholic Central High School before earning a degree in English from the State University of New York at Albany.

She met and, in 2005, married Stephen Bereza, who was the absolute love of her life. They made their home in Budd Lake, NJ where they lived with their beloved Boodie, their cat that mimicked Laurie's persona and outlook of the world in every way. She would gleefully say that Boodie was her child. Steven and Laurie shared a love for one another that will forever extend beyond her physical passing. They enjoyed travelling together, particularly to Hawaii. Anyone who interacted with them though will forever remember the free and easy way with which they laughed at, and with, each other.

Laurie grew up in Troy, with a large and always growing family. She is survived by her loving parents Don and Doreen Whitbeck Buell and brothers Jeffrey, Eric (Sherrie), Joshua and Timothy. She had a great passion for her art, photography, poetry and begrudgingly taking road trips with her dad that always ended in "remember when" stories.

She is predeceased by her grandparents William and Mildred Whitbeck and Robert and Nellie Buell, infant brother Jason, her dear Aunt Penny, Aunt Marcia, Uncle Red and Uncle Jim.

She is also survived by many aunts and uncles, including Shirley Buell, Leo and Irene Buell, Charles Buell, Harold and Carina Buell, Jerry and Retta Buell, Eileen Buell, David and Joan Buell, Ron and Rose Romano, Herb Buell, and George and Betty Johnson, as well as "Aunt" Kay Gilligan, Simon Coleman, and Anne Marie (John) McLoughlin. There are also more than a hundred cousins, but the family lost track many years ago, leading Laurie to exclaim that she didn't even know half these people.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McLoughlin & Mason Funeral Home corner of 109th Street and Third Avenue, Lansingburgh. A celebration of Laurie's life will follow at the funeral home at 3 p.m. All are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please send flowers! Laurie loved flowers, just pass on the lilies, she said they always reminded her of a funeral, and a funeral is not what she'd want.

Please visit Laurie's everlasting book of memories at www.mcloughlinmason.com