Obituary of Laurie Kowalowski

Laurie Lee Kowalowski (Finnegan), 63, of Burnt Hill Road, Cadyville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at her home under the loving care of Sandy, Kathy, her best friend Beth, her family, and Hospice of the North Country. Laurie was born in Plattsburgh on September 18, 1958, the daughter of James and Carolyn (Graves) Finnegan. Laurie had fond memories of growing up in Keeseville as one of eight siblings. She maintained strong bonds with each of her brothers and sisters, and was honored to laugh with them through good times, or offer counsel during tough times. Laurie believed families needed to stick together no matter the circumstances, and she led by example. Laurie was a beautiful person, both inside and out. If you were fortunate enough to meet her, you would undoubtedly feel her genuine warmth and love. She cherished everyone in her life, and left a lasting impact as a wife, mother, sister, friend, and most importantly “Nana.” Laurie was immensely proud of her two sons, and never missed out on any of their life’s events. She also cherished her daughters-in-law, and treated them with the same love as she did her boys. Becoming a grandmother, or Nana, was a role she filled with ease. Even at the worst of her illness, she fought for every last moment spent with her grandchildren. Laurie loved every second with those most important to her, and never missed an opportunity to host, or attend functions with family, or friends. Growing up with a big family, and raising two boys of her own, she was no stranger to preparing food for a large crowd. Her baking skills were second to none, and she made one of the best apple pies around. Laurie also had a great sense of style. She took great pride in being dressed for any occasion, even if it meant being fashionably late. Laurie didn’t always need something to dress up for, though. One of her favorite times of year was when she would go camping with her family, and closest friends. Laurie was very proud to work as Secretary in the Guidance Office at Saranac Middle School, and often expressed how the girls in her office, and other departments, kept her young. She loved her co-workers, whom she considered very close friends. Along with her love of others, Laurie had an immensely positive attitude. She always chose to see the best in everyone. She was surrounded by love, and lived in such a way where she could leave this world with no regrets. Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 36 years, Peter “Pete” Kowalowski; children, Kyle (Katherine) Kowalowski, and Kody (Amber) Kowalowski; grandchildren, Evelyn Claire, Jack Dominic, Margot Lily, and Luke Patrick; siblings, Lynn (Roger) Hathaway, Steve Finnegan, Bruce Finnegan, Michael Finnegan (Jennifer Cross), Shawn (Bonnie) Finnegan, Betsy Finnegan (Mike Perrotte), and James Finnegan; Peter’s siblings, Jim (Linda) Kowalowski, Charlie (Sandy) Kowalowski, Theresa (Matt) Lasky, Linda Kowalowski, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews, whom she also adored. She is predeceased by her parents, James and Carolyn Finnegan; niece, Stephanie Finnegan; Peter’s parents, John and Anna Kowalowski; brothers/sister-in-law, Richard Scott, Tom and Donna Kowalowski, and Tony Kowalowski. There will be no public calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Friday, January 21, 2022 at Saint James Church, 26 Church Road, Cadyville, with the Rev. Scott Seymour celebrating. A celebration of life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Laurie Kowalowski may be made to Hospice of the North Country, or Fitzpatrick Cancer Center. Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru.