Laurena M. Lanaux

UTICA - Laurena M. Lanaux, age 54, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 22, 2018. Born in Utica on July 3, 1964, Laurena was the daughter of the late John Henry and Rita Kay (Harrer) Lanaux. She shared 27 years in a significant relationship with Richard Harrison who passed away on January 2, 2013. They were best friends and he was a good dad to their children. Laurena worked in various capacities over the years. She was a Certified Nursing Assistant at Broadacres Skilled Nursing Facility. She dispensed spirits at Jason’s, Spilka’s, Roché Lounge, as well as a number of other local taverns. She also coordinated trips to Turning Stone Casino and Foxwood Resort Casino for Bingo excursions. Laurena loved bingo and she was known to be a “slayer player”. She might show a bit of concern as to what number or color would show up and was often “window burned”. She was also known to be creative and was a local independent crafter. Decorations and creations began as simple gifts to people and were so admired that she made a continued commitment to improve upon her original ideas. Laurena was a beautiful woman blessed with an inner beauty as well. Her personality was brilliant and bubbly, and her heart was benevolent. She would do anything for her children and grandchildren. She supported the decisions of her children and made sure they had the tools and skills needed to survive in today’s world. She was a lifelong teacher and mentor to them and a positive influence in their lives. She was a very responsible person, sociable, enterprising, helpful, and happy; Laurena lived for those she loved and respected. She was a friendly family “Uber” and would transport anyone, anywhere, anytime. She truly enjoyed her life and she loved to do good deeds for others. Her specialty dishes were turkey and lasagna, and she made delicious ethnic dinners. Although Laurena was surrounded by others who could assist her, she was very independent. She was a loving, affectionate role model, humble of heart, respectful, and motivational. Her laughter spread a smile and a sense of goodness to everyone in her circle of life. She never succumbed to disappointments; instead, she got back up, and fixed the problem that caused them. She was adaptable in her ability to open her home and her heart. Because she was a Christian woman, she knew that God planned the course of our lives, and she accepted his will. Laurena is survived by her children and their loves, Monique and Michael A. Jenkins, Richard A. Harrison, Dontai J. Harrison and Jasmine Felder, Keyana S. Harrison, and Dai’quan R. Harrison and Quiara March; and her grandchildren, Da’Nasulique B. Lanaux, Serenity A. Jenkins, Destiny M. Jenkins; Jaiden Felder, De’Vaiyah M. Lanaux, De’Avanni M. Lanaux; Dai’quan R. Harrison Jr. and Gabriela March. She also leaves her siblings and their loved ones, John R. Lanaux and his wife Loubna Silva Hasseine, Marc E. and Sabrina Lanaux, Venus M. and Darren Reddick, Beverly Lanaux, and Gail and Robert Schaffer; aunts and uncles, Cathy and Russell Schaffer, Christine and Ralph Reyes, Patricia Brunet, Anna Mae Harris, Doreen Moore, Wilma Kay Lanaux, and Raymond Lanaux; beloved nieces and nephews including Au’Jante Lanaux, and Winston Smith, Jr.; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws of the Harrison family including Bobby and Kathy Harrison, Barbara Ann, Odessa, Nathan and Gloria Harrison, Sheila, Shirley, and Jamie; and friends, Sandy Linen, Zulma DeTraglia, Sherry Coonrod, Barbara Jones, Denise “Nee-Nee” Lewis, Cheryl Johnson, Anne Leaks, and Karrie Donahue. She was predeceased by her uncle, Robert Harrer. The family is grateful to Laurena’s loving family and loyal friends for their support and compassion. Visitation will be held Saturday afternoon, December 29, 2018 from 2:00- 4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Laurena's Home Going and Celebration of Life will commence at 4:00 upon the conclusion of visitation at the funeral home with Pastor David Ossenfort officiating the ceremony. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Laurena M. Lanaux

July 3, 1964 - December 22, 2018