Laura Mary (Cavallaro – Criscuolo) Flaherty, 63, of the Morris Cove section of New Haven, entered into eternal peace on Tuesday evening August 31, 2021. She passed in the arms of her loving husband John, surrounded by her Sons Anthony and Patrick and her Daughter Amanda. Laura fought a courageous battle against leukemia that, regardless of her determination, overtook her quicker than ever imagined. Despite the countless transfusions and treatments and weakness, she never lost hope nor complained about her declining health. She battled the disease with all she had until her very last moment.
Laura was born on November 8th 1958 in New Haven, CT to Frank and Marie (Miranda) Cavallaro of East Haven. She graduated from St Mary’s High School and then furthered her education at Central Community College located in New Haven, CT. There she obtained her A.S. in Science as well as completing and receiving her State of Connecticut Early Childhood Educational and childhood development credentials. She even received her Real Estate License. Laura dedicated her light and love so many places like Stop & Shop where she worked various locations in southern Connecticut. It was her job at Harco Laboratories in Brandford CT that would prove to be life changing; it was there that she would meet the love of her life, John Flaherty. With his love and support, In 2010, she put her education
and experience forward and helped start and direct Holly Hill Childcare and Daycare Learning Center in Orange, CT. She dedicated everything she could to Holly Hill, the workers and families until her illness forced her to retire in 2019. Laura’s love was so vast. She had such a passion and gift for helping the children and their teachers grow and further their own goals and careers. She loved to travel, especially to the Maine seashore while residing in Morris cove with her husband since 2008. She was a big fan of Star Wars and recently had the pleasure of visiting the new Star Wars development at Disney world last year. She enjoyed her vacations but not as much as she enjoyed working by John’s side as his banker
and biggest supporter as they attended and worked several model RR shows throughout New England over the years. Her kindness and love followed her even there, getting the biggest smiles from the customers.
Apart from her loving husband John T. Flaherty, she leaves behind her loving son Anthony and his wife Jessica Criscuolo and two sons Matteo and Santino of Milford, CT, her bonus son Patrick Flaherty, his wife Evangeline and children Jack, Marc, Skylar and Remington of Enfield, CT and her bonus Daughter Amanda Flaherty, fiancé Geoffrey Cushing and their daughters Belle, Molly and Mackenzie. Her grandchildren were the most cherished things in her life and will be deeply missed by each and every one of them.
Among all the lives she has blessed and been part of, she made some very special friends along the way who miss her dearly. Anna and Alfred Tower, Kristen Anderson, Laura Pfeiler and of course Nicole and Alice, who stuck by Laura’s side to the very end.
A private service is planned at her request. The family is planning a Celebration Of Life at a later date. The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses of the Smilow Hospital facilities in New Haven and a special thank you to the Branford CT Hospice for their kind services for Laura and the entire family. Memorial donations in Laura’s name may be made to The American Cancer Society or the Hospice Hospital of Branford, CT. Last and not least, if you are able to, please donate blood to the Red Cross. These blood donations and transfusions were the reason Laura was able to fight and love for as long as she did.
