WATKINS GLEN--Last Tuesday, March 24, the community learned of the passing of Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo following a 10-month battle with cancer.
A Mass was held on Saturday morning at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, followed by a celebration of life at the Seneca Lake Event Center in the afternoon.
DeNardo was a lifelong resident of the village of Watkins Glen and served for eight years as a trustee on the village board before becoming mayor in 2023. As a co-chair of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, she oversaw many of the infrastructure improvements in Watkins Glen and was a fixture at numerous large-scale community events, including the Waterfront Festival and Grand Prix Festival. In addition, she was involved with St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, the Watkins Glen Elks, Lions and Moose Clubs, the Schuyler Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and the Watkins Glen Promotions Board of Directors.
Her career included 40 years at Cornell University, retiring as the Director of Human Resources.
“Laurie was a thoughtful and visionary leader—knowledgeable, articulate, ethical, and deeply compassionate,” said Village Clerk Fred Warrick in a note to the community. “She approached every decision with care, always mindful of the needs of all residents. Her willingness to listen, thoroughly research, and clearly communicate made her a trusted advocate for the community. Her expertise in municipal law and human resources proved invaluable in advancing initiatives that strengthened the village both operationally and fiscally.”
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Laurie DeNardo, a beloved leader and champion for our community,” said Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nigar Hale. “Her vision and unwavering dedication to strengthening our world defined her leadership. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. Laurie’s legacy transcended her role as Mayor of Watkins Glen. The outpouring of admiration, gratitude, and affection for Laurie is a testament to the enduring inspiration she leaves in the lives she touched and the community she loved. She leaves us with the enduring mark she made on the lives she touched and a community forever enriched by her care and vision.”
DeNardo was 64 years old, and with her family, extended their gratitude to the staff of Cayuga Cancer Center and CareFirst NY.
A Mass was held on Saturday morning at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, followed by a celebration of life at the Seneca Lake Event Center in the afternoon.
DeNardo was a lifelong resident of the village of Watkins Glen and served for eight years as a trustee on the village board before becoming mayor in 2023. As a co-chair of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, she oversaw many of the infrastructure improvements in Watkins Glen and was a fixture at numerous large-scale community events, including the Waterfront Festival and Grand Prix Festival. In addition, she was involved with St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, the Watkins Glen Elks, Lions and Moose Clubs, the Schuyler Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and the Watkins Glen Promotions Board of Directors.
Her career included 40 years at Cornell University, retiring as the Director of Human Resources.
“Laurie was a thoughtful and visionary leader—knowledgeable, articulate, ethical, and deeply compassionate,” said Village Clerk Fred Warrick in a note to the community. “She approached every decision with care, always mindful of the needs of all residents. Her willingness to listen, thoroughly research, and clearly communicate made her a trusted advocate for the community. Her expertise in municipal law and human resources proved invaluable in advancing initiatives that strengthened the village both operationally and fiscally.”
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Laurie DeNardo, a beloved leader and champion for our community,” said Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nigar Hale. “Her vision and unwavering dedication to strengthening our world defined her leadership. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. Laurie’s legacy transcended her role as Mayor of Watkins Glen. The outpouring of admiration, gratitude, and affection for Laurie is a testament to the enduring inspiration she leaves in the lives she touched and the community she loved. She leaves us with the enduring mark she made on the lives she touched and a community forever enriched by her care and vision.”
DeNardo was 64 years old, and with her family, extended their gratitude to the staff of Cayuga Cancer Center and CareFirst NY.
