Laurel L. Thatcher

Laurel Thatcher was born in Albany, NY on March 23, 1955. She was born to William Thatcher and Barbaretta Williams. Although adopted, Laurel had a uniquely close relationship with her biological father, William. Through her adoption, Laurel gained two sisters and built a relationship with her adoptive mother: Leatrice H. Steele-Duncan.

Laurel grew up in Albany and attended Albany schools including Villa Loretta School (Class of 1970), Philip Schuyler (Class of 1972) and later studied Paralegal Studies at Junior College of Albany. After two years at Junior College, she then attended the College of St. Rose where she studied social work and obtained her BSW. After college, Laurel became the Program Director of the Equinox Youth Shelter, and later worked as a social worker at TASC, until her retirement.

Laurel loved her family, and had an especially close relationship with her grandson, Rahsaan. She also enjoyed cooking, reading, listening to music, and completing puzzles. Laurel also loved pets (especially dogs and cats)- and leaves behind her loving cat, Smokey.

Laurel leaves to cherish her memory, her loving daughter, Djuana Thatcher and son-in-law James Nickens, grandson Rahsaan Nickens, and siblings Dwight Smith, Leatrice Davis, Denise Delamar, Jan Corbette, Paulette Brown, Tyrone Corbett, Verna Muckle and Keith Williams. Laurel also leaves behind special friend, Nelce Given and best friend Diane Spann.

The family would like to thank everyone for their words of encouragement and support during this difficult time.

Visiting hours will be held from 10:00am to 12:00pm with a celebration of life to immediately follow at 12:00pm on Friday, February 28, 2025 at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Albany.

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