Laura J. Gilfus

Laura Jean Gilfus, known lovingly to family and friends as Laura, was born on October 19, 1934, in Cato, New York, and passed away on July 24, 2026, in Auburn, New York, from natural causes.

Laura lived a long and faithful life marked by devotion to her family, her work, and the many people whose lives she touched with her kindness. She was the daughter of Frances and Esther Smith and grew up with the values of hard work, humility, and faith that would guide her throughout her life. She was known as loving, thoughtful, and generous, and those qualities were evident in the way she cared for others and carried herself each day.

Laura attended Union Springs High School and went on to build a steady and meaningful working life. She retired from General Electric in Auburn, New York, after years of faithful service. She also worked as a Union Springs school bus driver and as a secretary with Filtrec Corporation. In every role she held, Laura was dependable and conscientious, and she took pride in doing her work well.

Family was at the center of Laura’s life. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard P. Gilfus, and by her son, David W. Gilfus. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Frances and Esther Smith, and by her brother, Jim Smith.

Laura is survived by her daughter, Cindy Raymond, and her husband, Reb, as well as by Cheryl Howland and her husband, John. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandsons, Rick Gilfus and his wife, Kelly, Mike Gulliver and his wife, Amy, Chris Gilfus and his wife, Carrie, Nick Gilfus and his wife, Rachael, and Bryan Howland and his wife, Tricia. She was also preceded in death by her grandson, John S. Howland.

Laura is survived by her sister, Linda Miles, and by several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom will remember her with deep affection. Those who knew Laura will remember her as a woman of warmth and steadfast love. She had a gentle way of making others feel valued and cared for. Though her earthly journey has ended, the memory of her kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.