Laura Jean Collins, 58, died Sunday evening September 28, 2014 at Albany Medical Center after a brief illness. Born November 16, 1955 in Meriden, CT, she was the daughter of Joseph Jakiela and Elsa (McCallum) Jakiela. She was a graduate of Francis T. Maloney High School Meriden, CT class of 1973. Laura worked in the electronic manufacturing industry. She enjoyed crafts, painting, jewelry making and was a very artistic person and loved animals. She is survived by her mother Elsa Cyrul of Hubbardton, her sister, Sue Feliciano and husband Junior, her brothers, Don Cyrul of Poultney and Rob Cyrul of Castleton and several nieces, nephews and cousins and also by other family and friends in Connecticut. Laura was predeceased by her father Joseph Jakiela and by her step-father Robert Cyrul. A memorial service will be held on Friday October 3, 2014 at 3 P.M. at the Ducharme Funeral Home Inc. located at 1939 Main Street, Castleton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rutland Humane Society at 765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, VT 05763. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ducharme Funeral Home. www.ducharmefuneralhome.com