Laura C. Elia

Laura C. (Pirera) Elia, 75, of Worcester, passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at Saint Vincent Hospital, with her devoted children at her bedside.

Laura is survived by a daughter, Kathryn Elia of Sutton; two sons, Leo Elia of Worcester and Richard Elia of Auburn; seven grandchildren, Sherissa Elia, Anthony Elia, Dominic Elia, Chelsea LaViolette and her fiancé Barbara Gallardo, Niqui LaViolette, Jacob LaViolette, and Samuel LaViolette and his wife Kelsey; her daughter-in-law Gina Elia of Auburn; her son-in-law, Peter LaViolette of Cherry Valley; her beloved canine companion of six years, Loni; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.  Laura was born in Brooklyn, New York, daughter of Leo and Eva (Mitchell) Pirera.  She grew up in Worcester and graduated from Commerce High School and later from New England School of Art.

Laura worked for over twenty-five years at the U.S. Postal Distribution Center in Shrewsbury.  Following her retirement and not being on the be idle, she opened “Laura’s Place” on Main Street in Worcester, where she delighted her customers with her warm smile and great food.  She was a member of Saint George Orthodox Cathedral. 

Laura loved to be with family and would often travel the country to visit with aunts, uncles, and cousins wherever they might be.  She loved being surrounded by family and friends and it was the love of grandchildren that brought her great joy.

Calling Hours will be on Thursday, January 20, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADATNE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  Her Funeral will be on her birthday, Friday, January 21, departing the funeral home in procession at 9:40 a.m., to a 10 a.m. Funeral Service in Saint George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street, Worcester.  Interment will follow at Hope Cemetery in Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Saint George Orthodox Cathedral, or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, be visiting www.stjude.org.