Laurie 'Laurdog' Scanlon

Laurie 'Laurdog' Scanlon, 62, of Canton, passed away peacefully, Friday, May 15, 2015 at St. Francis Hospital surrounded by family and friends after a long, courageous and inspiring battle with cancer. She was born October 4, 1952 to the late Robert W. and Dorothy Ann (Savitsky) Scanlon, and became the apple of her father’s eye. She graduated from East Hartford High, SCSU and received her Master's from CCSC. She was a math teacher at Windsor High School for 30 years. She owned and operated NEGX in Newington and Gymnastics Express Too in Glastonbury. Although most of her family were avid Red Sox fans, they supported her loyalty to the Yankees and her devotion to the Yankees made gatherings even more enjoyable. Laurie played softball and was known to ""carry"" her golf partner. She united a room with her quick wit so naturally she was Master of any Ceremony. Laurie's blue eyes lit up around family and friends and especially when staring at decadent desserts. She was a generous woman who got involved when she saw a need. Laurie is survived by her closest and dearest friend of 40 years, Maureen Chagnon, brothers and sisters, William Scanlon, Karen Keramidas and fiancé, Thomas Ali, Jeffrey Scanlon and wife, Susan and Joseph Scanlon, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, step-mother, Anne Scanlon and family. She also is survived by thousands of children and friends whose hearts she touched. Laurie gave her life to Christ. Who knows, maybe the thunder we hear is the laughter brought by her. She worked hard, had fun and she found a way to make all of us laugh. The pain is gone and the suffering is over. Laurie will be missed by all.

In celebration of Laurie's life, calling hours will be Friday from 2-6 p.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. Funeral service will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral chapel. A scholarship fund will be set up in Laurie's name to continue to touch the hearts of many through gymnastics. Please go to www.gymnasticsexpress.org. For online expressions of sympathy or to share a story, visit www.desopo.com.