Laura "Laurie" DeNardo

Laura “Laurie” Specchio DeNardo passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026 at her home, surrounded by love. She was born on November 28, 1961, in Montour Falls, New York, to the late Barbara Lee and Theodore Specchio.

Laurie was a lifelong resident of the beautiful village of Watkins Glen, a community she loved deeply and served with unwavering dedication. She began her career at the Schuyler County DMV before joining the veterinary school at Cornell University. Over the course of 40 years at Cornell, Laurie worked her way up while earning her degree, ultimately becoming Director of Human Resources. She was known for her strength in leadership, her expertise in budgeting, and her commitment to those she worked alongside.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Laurie devoted herself to public service. She served eight years as a trustee on the Watkins Glen Village Board and, in April 2023, was honored to become Mayor. In this role, she proudly led her community and contributed to many meaningful initiatives. Laurie also served on numerous local boards, including Watkins Glen Promotions, the Schuyler Health Foundation, and as co-chair of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

While Laurie’s impact on her community was profound, her greatest joy was her family. She loved being a mother and “Nonnie,” and her love for them was constant and unconditional. She will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and the deep care she showed to those around her.

Laurie is survived by her daughter, Patti DeNardo Beall, her husband Jeremy, and her beloved grandchildren, Teddy and Brinlee. She is also survived by her partner, Robin Burnett; her brother, Larry Specchio and sister-in-law Laura; her niece, Alyssa; her Uncle Louis Specchio and cousins whom she loved like sisters, affectionately known as “the K’s.” She also leaves behind many dear cousins on both the Lee and Specchio sides.

In addition to her parents, Laurie was predeceased by her sister, Karen, as well as several beloved aunts and uncles, including her special Aunt Pat Angelo.

Laurie and her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Cayuga Cancer Center and CareFirst NY for their compassionate care, as well as to her cousins her “K’s” and dear friends Bob, Barb, and Sherry and Jack for their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CareFirst NY or the Schuyler County Historical Society in Laurie’s memory.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 905 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward at the Seneca Lake Event Center at 12:30 pm to celebrate her life and send her off in the style she would have loved.