Obituary of Laura J. Conklin

GOUVERNEUR – Laura J. Conklin, age 63, of Gouverneur, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at Hospice of Jefferson County in Watertown, NY. Laura was born in Gouverneur to the late Erwin "Doc" and Lucy Conklin on July 29, 1957. She graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1975 and studied at SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Erie Community College, Southwest Tech BOCES, and Mater Dei College in Ogdensburg. Hobbies of Laura's were reading, music, crafting and doing acts of kindness. Laura worked many jobs over the years, but one of her fondest accomplishments was creating the Gouverneur High School Memory Blog (a place for students of GHS to stay connected). Laura touched many lives at the United Methodist Church in Gouverneur. She was the only Church Historian for many years and sang in the choir. She served as the Church Treasurer, Librarian, UMW Vice President, Communications Coordinator for Northern Flow District UMW, Sunday School Teacher, and was always willing to be cashier at church fundraisers. She was a very kind, caring, talented, and giving person. Laura is survived by her brother, Gregory E. Conklin of Gouverneur, two sisters, Paula Jordan of Hermon and Gwen J. Conklin of Rochester, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by two sisters, Constance Conklin who died in infancy, Gail A. George, a brother, Neal C. Conklin, and fiancé, Bill Engelhart. A memorial service held at a later date at the United Methodist Church in Gouverneur. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences, memories, and pictures may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Memorial donations may be made to Gouverneur First United Methodist Church, PO Box 157, Gouverneur NY 13642; Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St, Watertown, NY 13601; Richville Library, PO Box 42, Richville NY 13681; or Wellesley Island Wildlife Rehabilitation, 44027 Cross Island Road, Wellesley Island NY 13640.