Laura Ponkos

Laura Ponkos, 79, of Ancram, passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on Wednesday, December 17.

Born in Bermuda, she spent the first few years of her life on the island before moving to New Jersey, where she was raised by her wonderful mother and grandmother. Laura grew up in the sixties and was the quintessential flower child with a love for rock and roll.

She attended Newark State College, where she earned not only a teaching degree but also new sisters by joining the Beta Delta Chi sorority. These friendships have lasted a lifetime, and her stories were full of antics at the beach and on ski weekends in the winter.

Laura met the love of her life during one of these ski weekends at Hunter Mountain. She and Bob shared over 40 years together, turning a rundown shack into their dream home where they raised two wonderful children and many cats. Laura and Bob were the epitome of love and devotion.

Laura started her teaching career in Monclair, New Jersey, before moving to upstate New York, where she worked for over 30 years in the Southern Berkshire Regional School District. Laura’s dedication, love, and empathy for students was evident in the hundreds of lives she touched.

In addition to teaching and raising two (sometimes three) children, Laura also developed a keen talent for rug hooking. She spent many long hours creating masterpieces with wool, for her home and loved ones, earning acclaim and recognition in a national rug hooking magazine and having her work exhibited in national shows.

After Bob's passing, Laura kept herself busy by tutoring and volunteering in the local communities. She worked with Ancramdale Neighbors Helping Neighbors, helping students earn educational scholarships and helping to feed the local community. In addition, she tutored women in Hudson through Literacy Connections, helping them earn their citizenship and making lifelong friends.

Laura is survived by her children, Robert and Sarah.

Calling hours will be at the Peck and Peck Funeral Homes, 8063 Route 22, Copake, NY on Monday, December 22, from 3:00 to 7:00pm. A celebration of Laura’s life will be held for family and friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Laura’s memory can be made to:

Ancramdale Neighbors Helping Neighbors, 

PO Box 97 - Ancramdale, NY 12502

https://www.ancramneighbors.org/

Or

Literacy Connections (Columbia & Greene)

Hudson Area Library - 51 North 5th Street - Hudson, NY 12534

https://hudsonarealibrary.org/programs/adult-literacy-partner-programs/