LAURA J. ALBANESE, Ed.D

52, of Cranston, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Providence, she was the devoted and loving daughter of Catherine (Vartian) Albanese of Cranston and the late Richard A. Albanese; dear sister of Roseann Reo and her husband Mark; and loving aunt of Tayla and Richard Reo all of Cranston. She is also survived by her three dogs, Maxx, Serena and Pudgie. Graduating in the Class of 1978 from Cranston High School West, Laura distinguished herself as an outstanding educator, administrator and humanitarian. Laura matriculated as an undergraduate at Rhode Island College in their teacher preparation program. She was awarded Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in education and Spanish in 1982. During the next 10 years (1983 to 1993), Laura taught in the Providence school district as a teacher in English as a second language and Spanish bilingual studies. Also during this period of time, Laura was enrolled as a graduate student at Rhode Island College and was granted the Masters of Education degree in 1985. In 1991, Laura received from, Providence College, the Master of Education degree with emphasis in school administration. Laura accepted an appointment from the South Kingstown school district as an elementary school assistant principal in 1993. She was appointed elementary school principal by the Cranston school district in 1994. Perhaps the crowning glory to Laura's graduate studies came in 2003 when Boston University bestowed upon her the Doctor of Education degree. Due to a serious health problem, Laura retired from the Cranston school district as Executive Director of Educational Programs. At the present time, Dr. Albanese was serving as a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Rhode Island. Dr. Albanese was very active with professional organizations. She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa (educational society), the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Phi Sigma Iota and the Rhode Island Association for Elementary School Principals. She was extremely well certified as an educator, having been granted licensure with the Rhode Island Department of Education in the areas of teacher of elementary grades (K-6), English as a second language (endorsement), bilingual education (endorsement), middle school (endorsement), and school administrator (K-8). Laura was dedicated to her Armenian heritage and her church. She was a member of the Armenian Relief Society and a member of the Armenian Youth Federation. She mentored and taught Sunday school and English language to Armenian immigrants from Baku. She was a member of the United States of America Dance, Rhode Island Chapter (Ballroom Dance, Tap and Jazz) and she taught dance to students at the Trudeau Center. Laura's passion for animals has led her to become a member of the SPCA and a member of a local "Dog Foster Care" program. Laura's humanitarian attributes were demonstrated by continually raising monies for "Dance for a Cause" Brain Cancer Research "Ready for Life" program the American Cancer Society and the Tomorrow Fund. Through her exemplary leadership and service to all aspects of education, her humanitarian efforts and solid character, Laura was inducted into the Cranston Hall of Fame in 2012. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Service on Friday, at 10 a.m. in Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, 402 Broadway, Providence, followed by interment at North Burial Ground, Providence. VISITING HOURS are Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Sts. Vartanantz Church, 402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909.

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