Obituary of Laurel C. Wemett

Laurel Clay Wemett, age 79, of Canandaigua, NY, died on February 12, 2024, at Laurel House Comfort Care Home in Newark, NY. Laurel was born in Rochester, NY to Norris G. Wemett and Doris Marley Wemett on February 26, 1944. She attended Bloomfield Central School as a member of the Class of 1961. She was a graduate of the University at Albany where she majored in history. She later continued her studies at Emory University in Georgia and received her Master of Arts degree in art history in 1981. Laurel was Assistant Director and Program Coordinator for the Granger Homestead & Carriage Museum for six years and later served nine years as Program Director for Literacy Volunteers of Ontario County. She taught art history as Adjunct Faculty at the Finger Lakes Community College and was a freelance writer for many regional publications including the Messenger-Post Newspapers and the Finger Lakes Times. She was a book reviewer and regular contributor to Life in the Finger Lakes since the inception of the magazine in 2001, writing on cultural and historical themes. Laurel had an early introduction to history and arts and crafts through her family’s involvement in two businesses, Roadside Craftsmen in East Bloomfield and Avon Coppersmith. Later influenced by other family members’ antique stores, the 1812 Country Store in Hemlock and the Emporium in Essex, NY, Laurel established and operated her own collectibles and gift shop in Canandaigua, Cat’s in the Kitchen, for more than three decades. For 18 years, she volunteered to co-chair the organizing committee of the Canandaigua Classic Antique Show & Sale. She is predeceased by her parents and her sister Lynn Wemett Nichols. Laurel leaves loving sisters Lisa C. Wemett (Charles Muscolino) of Macedon; Michele J. Wemett (Richard Nawrocki) of Rochester; Yvonne W. Small (Keith) of Lantana, Florida, and nieces and nephews John W. Nichols (Thedra), James T. Nichols (Connie), Judith E. Nichols, Melissa S. Nicolosi (Justin), and Kelsey M. Small (Jesse Montgomery). Calling hours will be held on Saturday, May 18, beginning at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service to celebrate Laurel’s life at 11:30 a.m. at Fuller Funeral Home. A private burial will be held at the East Bloomfield Cemetery. To share a memory or express condolences online please visit www.fullerfh.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wood Library, 134 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424, or the Community Reading Partnership (at the same address) to support literacy projects. To share a memory or express condolences online please visit www.fullerfh.com.