Dr. Rev. Laura Nuzzi O’Shaughnessy

Dr. Rev. Laura Nuzzi O’Shaughnessy, of 58 Salisbury Court, Pittsfield, Mass., and former resident of Canton, N.Y., passed away Thursday, July 23, while visiting family in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Born November 8, 1945, in the Bronx, N.Y., to Theodore and Anna (Capodiferro) Nuzzi, Laura grew up in Queens, N.Y. She earned her B.A. from Queens College and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Indiana University.

In 1978, Laura joined the St. Lawrence University government department. Her primary teaching and research interests included the relationship between religion and politics, conflict resolution, and Central American politics. She was the co-author of two books, The Church and Revolution in Nicaragua and Nicaragua's Other Revolution: Religious Faith and Political Struggle, which was named a Choice Outstanding Academic Book. In 1991, she received the Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award from the Foundation for Higher Education and in 1992 was named a Dana Professor of Government. She also served as a Piskor Lecturer, Director of International Education, Coordinator of Caribbean and Latin American Studies, and Associate Dean of the Faculty.

In 2007, Laura completed a Master of Divinity Degree from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in preparation for a career in the ordained ministry of the United Church of Christ. She was ordained in 2012 in Sheffield, Mass., at The Old Parish Church.

Laura was predeceased in 2002 by her husband of 34 years, Dr. Thomas O’Shaughnessy, whom she married June 8, 1968, in Floral Park, N.Y.

Laura was a life-long learner and after retirement filled her days with many activities. She took cello lessons and played the piano, enjoyed hiking throughout the Berkshires with her Hiking Club, was a member of the International Club, practiced her love of languages with her Italian and Spanish groups, and served on the Leadership Team of Berkshire Interfaith Organizing, as well as being actively involved in her church, the First Congregational Church of Lee.

She is survived by her daughters, Nancy O’Shaughnessy Smith and Ellen Clelia O’Shaughnessy; her grandchildren, Charlotte Smith, Thomas Bergmeier, Liam Smith, and Quinn Bergmeier; brothers David Nuzzi and wife Denise, and Peter Nuzzi and partner Anna Draheim; sons-in-law David Smith and Wolfgang Bergmeier; sister-in-law Kathleen O’Shaughnessy Hearn and husband Rex Hearn; nephews Zachary and Brandon Nuzzi, and Christopher Hearn; and close family friend Lauren Hanley.

Calling hours will be held at 12 p.m., Monday, August 3, at the First Congregational Church of Lee, with services following directly after at 1 p.m. at the church. Arrangements are with Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington. Donations in Laura’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.