Laurel Joan Whitbeck passed peacefully after a two-year battle with cancer on Sunday, February 23, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. Lovingly known as “Lolly” or “La” to many, Laurel was born in Penn Yan, NY where she resided for 68 years. She attended Corning Community College where she received her associate’s degree and went on to continue her education focusing on elementary education at Keuka College, where she graduated in 1981. She worked for many years as a teaching assistant at Penn Yan Central School, retiring in 2022.

Laurel loved her family and friends with a zest like no other. There was nowhere that Laurel went where she didn’t know someone. Whether it be on Monday night playing cards at the Moose or enjoying time on Keuka Lake each July for countless years with family, Laurel filled the lives of family, friends, colleagues, and students with love and laughter.

Laurel was predeceased by her parents, James and Virginia Whitbeck and sisters, Patricia Heath and Mary Orr. She is survived by her beloved son Jacob “Jake” Boorom and her precious cat, Puff; brother Bruce (Marie) Whitbeck; brothers-in-law, Eugene “Iggy” Heath and Ralph (Gloria) Orr; nieces and nephews, James and Matthew (Jesseca) Orr, David (Rosa) Heath, Susan (Darrin) Miller, Andrew (Kimberly) and Amanda Whitbeck; great-nieces, Jacklyn Campbell, Darby, Peyton and Morgan Miller, and Hayden Campbell; and great-nephew Heath McIntyre.

Laurel had countless friends with whom she shared so many good times and we want to express our gratitude to all of them that have been for her throughout her journey.  We would also like to express our gratitude to the health care professionals at Soldiers & Sailors Hospital, Clifton Springs Hospital and Dr. Stephen Ignaczak.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Laurel’s honor to the Penn Yan Volunteer Ambulance Corps or the American Cancer Society. A celebration of Laurel’s life and interment in St. Michael’s Cemetery will take place at a later date.