“Laura (Mom, Nana, and Mrs. Pladsen), was sunshine. Not the kind of sunshine that commanded attention or intensity, but the gentle sunshine that peaks through the clouds after a storm, the sunshine that provides warmth and embrace in the morning, or the peace that comes in a sunrise. She was all of these things to us: gentleness, patience, assurance, faithfulness, comfort, and warmth.” - Ashley Pladsen
It is with heavy hearts that we share Laura Pladsen passed away on June 15th, 2022 after a short but courageous journey with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by all ten of her children in her final days. Though her life was too short, she found tremendous peace in her faith in God.
Laura Anne Pladsen (Todaro) was born in Quincy, MA on June 11, 1961 to Maureen Zita Todaro (Curry) and Carl A. Todaro. The second of four children, she was raised in Abington, MA where she graduated from Abington High School in 1979. She was a mother of ten and a woman of deep faith. Being a mother was her greatest joy. Laura shared that she was put on this planet to be a mother.
At the age of 40, as a single mother, she began taking college classes at Bristol Community College. After chipping away for eight years and maintaining a 4.0 GPA, she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bridgewater State College. Laura had a quiet, peaceful presence, but it was accomplishments like these that revealed her strength and resilience. She always loved children and a college education allowed her to share her gifts as a “baby whisperer” and “toddler wizard” as well as her wisdom with the broader community. One of her superpowers was making each of her children and students feel like they were her favorite, because they all were. Whether it was a sleeping challenge, or a kiddo struggling with their emotions, Laura always took the time to get to know each child, problem solved until she got it, and helped every child feel special and loved. She wanted all children to know they were deserving of love. This was rooted in her understanding of God’s love: a type of love that knows no bounds, has no preconditions, and requires nothing in return. It is a love that all who knew Laura were lucky enough to receive and bear witness to. She went on to teach at three schools: The Children’s Village, New Testament Christian School, and Kiddie Kollege. She was deeply loved and appreciated by her coworkers, students, and the student’s families.
Laura found belonging through her church communities. She was deeply involved in New Testament Baptist Church in Norton, and later Faith Assembly of God Church in Hyannis. Laura loved to volunteer in children’s ministries. She worked in the nursery, taught Sunday school, and helped lead Vacation Bible School in the summer. She was a committed member of the church’s prayer group and enjoyed serving in the women's ministries and soup kitchen. As a member of both churches, Laura found a great deal of support in her church family.
In the end, it was the boundless love for her children and grandchildren that defined her. Her children will always remember their mother humming happily throughout the day, her comforting hugs, that treasured first cup of coffee in the morning, and sitting with a huge smile on her face when all her children and grandchildren were all together.
Laura is survived by her ten children and loved them more than anything else in this world: Jessie, Elizabeth, Courtney, Stephen, Susan, Michelle, Jonathan, David, Ashley, and Nicole. She had a special place in her heart for her children in law: DeWayne, Matt, Teddy, Sam, Ashley, Taylor, and Aidan. Her grandchildren brought her so much joy: Guen, Teagan, Madeline, Emersyn, Alaina, Riley, Ole, and Eloise. She is also survived by her three siblings, whom she cared deeply about: Mark Todaro, Lisa Giosia, and Carla Todaro.
Join us for a Celebration of Laura’s life June 25th, 2022 at 3pm at Faith Assembly of God, 154 Bearses Way, Hyannis, MA 02601.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the Pladsen Family at: Fundraiser by Courtney Pladsen : Support the Pladsen Family (gofundme.com)