Dolores “Laurie” Ann (Bodnar) Abbott
of Torrington, Connecticut.
Sunrise: Monday, June 17, 1946
Sunset: Friday, December 13, 2024

Born to the late Joseph and Elaine (Concannon) Bodnar, Laurie was the quintessential Torrington-ite:
born, raised, worked, and lived her entire life in Torrington.
Laurie attended Torrington schools and worked locally throughout her life. Her early career included
time at Mencuccini’s Grocery and as a librarian’s assistant at Vogel School. She later worked as a
secretary at The Torrington Company, and in shipping at Timex, where she met James “Jim” Fallon.
Laurie and Jim shared over 25 years of friendship, travel, and companionship. She often reminisced of
their frequent travels to Cape Cod, Rhode Island, and their epic cruise to Alaska. She retired after 20
years as the payroll clerk for the City of Torrington. Additionally, Laurie worked as the Monday night
waitress at Torrington’s Berkshire Café for 20 years, saving to purchase her beloved home, of which she
was immensely proud.
Laurie was a hardworking, single mother of three boys whom she loved greatly. She enjoyed cooking
and often experimented with new recipes. Other hobbies included gardening, crafts, shopping through
QVC and HSN, spending time with her dear friends Lainey Fador, Irene Maine, Donna Smith, and Liz
Hosford, traveling with Jim—especially to the beach— casino trips and playing cards with friends at the
Sullivan Senior Center. 
Lovingly referred to as “the crazy cat lady” because of her lifelong love for cats, Laurie provided a home
for many feline companions over the years. Her beloved cat, Boo, was her constant companion.
Laurie is survived by her sons, Ronald Abbott (Darcy) of New Hartford and Paul Abbott of Torrington; her
brother, Gerald Bodnar (Joyce) of Torrington; her grandchildren, Ashleigh “Jam” Ost of Tampa, FL, Austin
Landry of Torrington, and Jason Anderson (Nicole) of Naugatuck; and her great-granddaughters, Nova,
Nixie, and Tamzynn Cerratani of Naugatuck. She is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews,
and friends. She was predeceased by her son Daniel Abbott; her brother Donald Bodnar; her niece
Cheryl Dean; and her nephews Donald Bodnar Jr. and Brian Bodnar.
A celebration of Laurie’s life will take place on Saturday, December 21, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00
p.m. at Phalen Funeral Home, 285 Migeon Ave. Torrington, CT. In leu of flowers, please make a donation
in her name to Beacon of Light Animal Rescue, PO Box 1062, New Hartford CT 06057 bolarct.org
Laurie will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, and the love she gave to her family, friends, and
community. She leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and strength that will continue to inspire all
who knew her.