Obituary of Laura Sturgis

Laura Sturgis, 50, of Jackson passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. Laura was a devoted wife, mom, daughter, sister, and friend. Born in Somerville, NJ, she spent her childhood in Lakewood and summers at Brookside Country Club (Howell) before moving to Freehold for high school. She graduated from Freehold Township High School and attended William Paterson College where she began her path to becoming an elementary school teacher, ultimately graduating from Georgian Court University. For the entirety of her career in education, she was a teacher in the Marlboro Township Public School District, primarily at Robertsville Elementary School. Laura taught fifth grade for many years before moving to fourth, third, and ultimately second grade. She was passionate about her vocation and dedicated to her students. Laura was always delighted to hear from her students even long after they moved up from her classroom.

Laura met her husband, Bob, while she was attending the NJEA convention in Atlantic City. Fittingly, she found her perfect match amid two of her favorite things – teaching and 3-card poker with an appletini. Laura and Bob built a loving home together in Jackson complete with Laura’s dream-come-true backyard oasis accented with her signature color, purple. She happily spent hot summer days relaxing poolside or on the sun deck with a good book and surrounded by family and friends.

Laura’s two children, Johnny (DeCaro) and Kaitlyn, were the center of her life. She was so proud of them and was always happy to be right there supporting them whether it was school, sports, or other activities. She loved being a baseball mom and watching Johnny on the ballfield. She enjoyed special outings with Kaitlyn – to the nail salon, NYC to see the Christmas Spectacular, the Taylor Swift Eras tour movie, and theme parks. Laura was an involved and enthusiastic aunt, never missing a milestone for her nephews and nieces especially Joey Berenger, Sean Fallon, Alex Fallon, Jianna Berenger, cousin Matthew McGowan, and the late Robert Berenger. She loved special trips, lunches, and movies with her mom, Debbie; aunt, Melody McGowan; and sister, Judy Fallon.

Laura is survived by her husband, Bob; her children, Johnny and Kaitlyn; her parents, Jerry and Debbie Berenger; her sister, Judy Fallon (Patrick); her brother, Jeremy Berenger (Angelina Masheyeva); many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, half-brothers, and beloved friends.

A visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 11:00 AM Funeral Service at the funeral home on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Interment will follow in Old Tennent Cemetery, Tennent, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved grandma, Naomi Garofalo. For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made directly to the family for Laura’s children’s futures or HERE . For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.