Laura S. Hage, 93, formerly of Canton, CT, passed away on 15 July 2026, after a long battle with dementia.

Laura Struss was born on July 5, 1933, in Elizabeth, New Jersey to the late Herbert and Helen (Schneider) Struss. Raised in Roselle Park, New Jersey, Laura earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Valparaiso University and a master’s from Rutgers University.  A teacher by training, Laura loved to read and learn, and to share newly gained insights with others. She carried these traits throughout her life. In 1958, she volunteered to teach the children of Department of Defense personnel stationed overseas and was assigned to a posting fifty miles from Paris. It was in Evreux, France, where she met her future husband, Marv, who was stationed there with the US Air Force. Their courtship took place in Paris, ooh la la!

For 63 years, Laura was married to the love of her life, Marvin L. Hage. Together, they raised three red-headed children. Laura was heard to say that being married to Marv led to a wonderful life. Husband Marv was heard to say it was a toss-up which Laura loved more, museums or cathedrals, but either way, the family was going in.

Motherhood was her calling. A natural and relaxed mom, Laura valued family above all else. Her easy laugh, paired with a happy heart, makes for a loving and forgiving home. She was fun to be around. She actively promoted independence in her children, passing on her virtues of adventure, risk-taking, and resilience. An optimist at heart, she believed in mankind’s goodness and in being kind to others. Laura saw life as a puzzle of possibilities, with good news and positive outcomes lurking just around the corner. Jarring news (3x cancer survivor!) and life’s pitfalls were downplayed as being “the bumps of life.” Even during life’s darkest moments, she carried on with hope in her heart and the promise of a better day. A quiet Christian, she had a personal relationship with God and never wavered in her belief.

A devotee of Julia Child, good food, and parties were favorite pursuits. Gin & tonics with friends, impromptu meals for those stopping by, and traveling to visit dear friends in Maine were her absolute favorite pastimes. Her kitchen experimentation could be mixed, with houseguests being humorously advised not to enquire too keenly about the ingredient’s expiration date. Her gastronomic triumph was unequivocally beef Rouladen, from her German heritage. Wunderbar!

Traveling the globe led to great respect and affection for all those who defend our country and our way of life. A proud patriot, she flew our nation’s flag year-round and sang our national anthem with gusto. In her final chapter of life, she loved to sing “It’s a Grand Old Flag.”

One of the most joyful days in Laura’s life was when her oldest son Todd married Michelle Kadlec, whom Laura adored and came to believe was her second daughter. Known affectionately by her five grandchildren as “Graan,” Laura was never so happy as when in the company of her grandkids. Always the teacher, “Graan” delighted in exposing them to new situations, new ideas, and celebrating their successes. Her grandkids were her pride and joy.

Before passing away in Atlanta, Laura lived in North and South Carolina, Connecticut, Ohio, England, France, Indiana, and New Jersey. In her younger days, she enjoyed skiing with friends and was a passionate gardener throughout her life. A dedicated believer in books and life-long learning, Laura was an enthusiastic member of the ‘Friends of the Canton Library’ in Connecticut for over three decades. Friends noted she was notorious for offering up obscure facts or little-known quirks of history when visiting historic locations – things she had learned from reading.

Laura is survived by her children, who loved her dearly: Kristen O’Connor (Lloyd); Michelle Falcon (Roland); Brian Hage; five grandchildren (Kerinne, Declan and Laurie O’Connor; Chloe and Isabelle Hage); and a younger brother, Alan Struss (Pat). She is preceded in death by her adoring husband, Marv (2025), her beloved son, Todd (Michelle) (2007), and her elder brother, Herb Struss (2003).

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the fire station and volunteers where Laura’s oldest son, Todd, lost his life in 2007. To learn about the Wesley Chapel Volunteer Fire Department and the heroes that staff the trucks, use this URL  https://wesleychapelvfd.org/.

To make a donation to the Wesley Chapel Volunteer Fire Department, please use this URL https://www.daffy.org/charities/581464796-wesley-chapel-volunteer-fire-department-inc-waxhaw-nc