Obituary of Lauren E. Petraske

Lauren “Laurie” Elise Petraske, 67, passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones on July 29, 2022. Born in Niskayuna, NY to her late parents, James Charles and Madeline (Valentino) Petraske. From an early age, Lauren had a personality that brought strangers in a room together, everyone who knew her will tell you that, “Laurie was a person you never forgot”.

A 1973 Mohonasen High School graduate, she was the most athletic girl in her grade. During this time, our country was unfortunately still living in the dark ages, before Title 9 was enacted; Laurie was unable to play in organized sports. She was, however, crowned QUEEN of sports on field days. Laurie’s strength and dedication to breaking barriers began. 

Laurie was one of the first females in the G.E. Machinist Apprentice program, which provided her a full scholarship to Saint Rose College. After graduation, she started her 42 year career with General Electric, beginning in the factory, her handwork led her to the management level as a Project Manager. Laurie enjoyed her job and the people she worked with, she also traveled the world with G.E to places like Ireland, India, Greece, Canada, as well as across America.

Throughout her adulthood, she continued playing basketball, softball, pickleball  and golf. As a role model to young women, she was a beloved assistant basketball coach for Albany College of Pharmacy and Saint Rose Women’s Basketball teams. 

In 1993, she began her relationship with  Rayette Johnson. Their life together was filled with laughter and adventure, their favorite memories were those on vacation with their friends, it wasn’t about the destination, but who they were with that made those trips so special. Rayette and Laurie were married in September 2013, their love will always be celebrated. 

Laurie was a selfless person, the kind of person who was already there to help before being asked. She knew no stranger, because everywhere she went she made friends, and if you were a friend of Laurie then you were a friend for life. There was nothing more important to Laurie than her family and friends, everyone lucky to have known her will remember her devoted heart and fun-loving personality. 

To continue her memory is her wife, Rayette Johnson; siblings, Charles (Terri) Petraske, Kathy DiCaprio; brother-in-laws, Mark (Maria) Johnson and Kevin Johnson, sister-in-law, Deanna (Andy) Isom; cherished nieces and nephews, Charles and Madeline Petraske, Richard DiCaprio Jr., Cory and Jason DiCaprio, Jennifer Calsterom, Melissa Heib, Leslie Fries, Brian, Katy and Sydney Johnson, Anthony, Natalie and Luke Enlow; as well as several great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loving dog, Lily.  Additionally Lauren is survived by her extended family of friends who will miss her terribly. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Richard DiCaprio.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff from NY-OH and Albany Medical Center—4D East, as well as the numerous “best friends” who stood by Laurie throughout her illness, and showed her how much she is loved. 

Family and friends are welcomed to Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. on Wednesday, August 3rd, from 5 to 7 PM for calling hours. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home the next day, Thursday, August 4th at 11 AM. Services will be streamed via Zoom at 11 AM: Click Here for Zoom

As a lover of animals, Laurie’s memorial donations may be made to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Avenue, Schenectady NY 12302.

Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com