Laurie A. Kautz-LaBella

Allegany NY Laurie A. Kautz-LaBella of McClure Hollow Rd., Allegany NY, age 63, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at her son Michael’s home in Avon, NY. She was born June 19, 1954, in Olean, NY, to Milton and Constance (Reitz) Kautz. She was a 1972 graduate of Allegany Central School and attended Alfred University, St. Bonaventure University and SUNY Alfred. She worked in sales at Carnahan’s Men’s Store, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, The Muse Magazine, Walmart, Prudential Financial and the Talking Phone Book.

Laurie enjoyed many things in life; archeology, building, camping, cooking, dogs, fine dining, gardening, history, horses, family, friends, reading, skiing, traveling, and writing restaurant reviews; among many other interests. She was also a skilled artist and crafter versed in a variety of media. A lifelong learner, she connected with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and interests.

She is survived by her sons, Michael (Lindsay) LaBella of Avon, NY, Peter (Karaly) LaBella of Olean, NY; her sister, Susan (James) McCarthy of Olean, NY; three nephews, Jason (Mindy) McCarthy, Joshua (Amy) McCarthy and David (Brooke) McCarthy all of Olean, NY; her grandchildren Kyrin and Vincent LaBella of Olean, NY; and six great nephews and nieces.

Family, friends and others whose lives Laurie touched, are invited to a memorial celebration picnic being held at Letchworth State Park, Parade Grounds Shelter, starting at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 1, 2018. Details regarding the memorial celebration picnic and RSVP can be found at letchevent.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Allegheny Valley Project – alleghenyvalleyproject.com and Friends of Letchworth State Park – friendsofletchworth.com.