Maryland - With heavy hearts the family of Laura Rollins Emmett announce her passing on December 23, 2022 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Astoria, Queens to Theresa (Pupplo) and Eugene Rollins, she is survived by her loving husband and soul-mate Ronald Emmett; sister, Geena (Beverly) Rollins; brother, Gregory (Donna) Rollins; son, Charles (Camille) Lee; daughter, Theresa (Michael) Valunas; grandchildren, Leena, Eleanora, and Cooper, step-grandson, Kolin; step-mother, Jean Rollins; step-sister, Janet Connor; step-daughter Nicole, and several nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Laura believed some children are born of the womb and others of the heart­- she leaves behind these children as well.

Laura grew up in Miller Place on Long Island, moving to the Cooperstown area as a young adult. There, she raised her family and began a successful career ultimately working at SUNY Oneonta, from which she would retire. During her tenure, she bonded with colleagues and students alike, many of whom she considered family.

Laura's passions included spending time with family (on a boat, when possible), creating jewelry and other crafts, travel, and helping others. Undeterred by her cancer diagnosis, her passions only grew stronger. Her hobby of making jewelry grew into a successful business. Her savvy didn't stop there. A pet project turned into SUNY Oneonta's Red Dragon thrift shop, the proceeds of which fund the Sustainability Scholarship. Ever the optimist, she saw her diagnosis as a calling to help others and founded a local peer-lead cancer support group.

In lieu of flowers, Laura requests donations be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, www.giving/mskcc.org/give or Fox Oncology (Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network) www.friendsofbassett.org or that a random act of kindness be performed in her name. The family thanks all who have supported her in big and small ways throughout her battle.

At Laura's request, immediate services will be private. There will be a celebration of life this spring, the details of which will be announced.

Condolences may be made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com ; the website of Oneonta's only family owned funeral home, Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono at 51 Dietz Street.