Obituary of Laura Scribner

Laura Marquez Scribner, passed away peacefully at home in Goshen, NY, on Wednesday, May 27th at the age of 90. The daughter of Catalina and Peter de Marquez of Bogota, Colombia, Laura was born on January 2, 1925 in New York City. Growing up on the upper east side of Manhattan, raised by her mother with the help of three older brothers, fluent in both her family's native Spanish and English, Laura attended St Jean's High School where she received highest honors in French, and developed an avid interest in literature and theatre. She attended Hunter College, continuing her studies in French and Literature before working for an employment agency where she met her future husband, Stanley Scribner, a decorated World War II First Lieutenant, born in Yampa Colorado. In search of a first job in NYC, Laura found Stanley work using his Spanish skills in South America, where he met much of her family. After returning to the U.S., the two married in March of 1952. Laura was a uniquely creative woman, gifted in writing, art and languages and was particularly compassionate with the elderly and children. She worked part-time as a secretary for various hospitals and social service agencies, and created her own after school French and Spanish programs in NYC, while Stanley worked as a freelance translator. Together, they raised their three children, Consuelo, Bradford and Frederick (all musicians) on the upper west side of NYC. In 1970 they moved from NYC to Middletown, NY, where Laura became a librarian for the Middletown School System for several years. For a few months every summer, from 1979 to 1989, Stanley and Laura settled into the historic part of Quebec City, some of the happiest times of their lives. Throughout, she kept up her interests in French and 19th century literature, creative writing and artwork, having written several children's books for her children and grandchildren. After the death of Stanley in 1991, Laura became more active as a poet and writer, joined The Women's Club of the Scotchtown Presbyterean Church and several Mid-Hudson Valley writing groups. Many of her poems and stories were published in the Middletown Times Herald Record,The Senior Gazette and Dirt Magazine. She also became more ensconced in the cultural fabric of Quebec City during her summers, becoming a valued member of the Quebec English Library Writer's group, and winning a Quebec prize for best poem. In 2005, she moved to an apartment in a historic stone building that she loved in nearby Goshen, reminiscent of the apartment dwellings of her beloved Quebec City. A frequent volunteer at Valley View Rehabilitation across the street, she was fond of reading to their Alzheimer's patients. Laura was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great- grandmother, having inspired and encouraged us all with the gift of her creativity and her open mind. She is survived by her sister, Mary Parris; daughter Consuelo Scribner (Sherba); sons Bradford and Frederick Scribner, of Middletown; granddaughter, Claire Sherba, partner of Jean Pierre Perez, mother of great grandson, Augustine; grandson Alexander Sherba; granddaughter Gabby Sherba; seven nieces and nephews and their families. She is pre-deceased by mother and father, Catalina and Pedro de Marquez; brothers Mario, George and John Restrepo; Sister-in-law, Mary Restrepo; husband, Stanley Scribner; niece, Clara Restrepo Ross; Brother-in-law and beloved son-in-law, Charles Sherba, who passed away last year. Those of us who knew Laura were mesmerized by her beautiful, ageless, ever- optimistic and peaceful spirit, her creativity, wit, literate mind, love of life, and great resilience in the face of life's many challenges. Our family, community and her large circle of friends are grateful for the lasting, loving impact she has made on our lives. A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Laura Scribner with music and readings will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, June 26, 2015 at The Scotchtown Presbyterian Church, 367 Blumel Rd., Middletown, NY, 10941. Arrangements under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., Goshen. To leave the family a personal condolence please visit www.donovanfunerals.com