Laurie (Berk) Margolis

Laurie Berk Margolis, 41, of Glastonbury, died on Saturday (July 23, 2005) after a courageous four-year battle fighting breast cancer. A natural teacher, adoring mother, and caring friend, she brought strength, humor, intelligence and a strong sense of self to everything she undertook. She also possessed an innate ability to make connections with individuals, be it students, colleagues or others who met her. Laurie taught second grade at Keeney Street School in Manchester for three years, and prior to that, taught fourth grade in Colchester for ten years. She was known as a dedicated teacher who set high standards for her students. She also took an active role beyond the classroom, serving as a cooperating teacher and mentor, launching an after-school club, and participating in curriculum and budget committees. She was a former secretary of the Keeney Street School Parent-Teacher Association and a member of the school’s Principal’s Advisory Committee. She was a member of the Naubuc School (Glastonbury) Parent-Teachers Organization and a life member of Hadassah. Born in Norwich, Laurie was a 1982 graduate of Norwich Free Academy. She earned a bachelor’s degree (cum laude) in communication sciences from the University of Connecticut in 1985. In 1988, she earned a master’s degree in education from Eastern Connecticut State University, where she was recognized with the Award for Excellence in Student Teaching. She is survived by her husband, Philip; son, Jacob; daughter, Emily, all of Glastonbury; her mother, lrma Berk of Norwich; a brother, Jeffrey Berk of Memphis, TN; and her mother and father-in-law, Maurice and Brenda Margolis of Newport, RI. She was predeceased by her father, Julius Berk. A memorial service will be held at Temple Beth Sholom, 400 East Middle Turnpike, Manchester on Monday at 1 p.m. Interment will be at Beth Olam Cemetery in Middletown, RI following the service. The family will be sitting at the Margolis home at 18 Florence Avenue in Newport immediately following the burial. The family will hold shiva at the Margolis home in Glastonbury. Arrangements entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. For further information, directions or to share memories of Laurie with her family, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Laurie Margolis Fund at Temple Beth Sholom, 400 East Middle Turnpike, Manchester, CT 06040, or to ECHN Community Healthcare Foundation c/o Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT 06040 to support the Hospice Education Program.