Laura M. (Turcotte) Datillo, 83, of North Reading, formerly of Wheaton, Ill., died Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at the North Shore Medical Center- Salem Hospital.

Born in Salem, Mass. on November 9, 1933. She was the daughter of the late Gaston and Marie Desneige (LaFrance) Turcotte. Laura attended St. James High School in Salem.

Laura was a full-time homemaker and General to the Colonel. She also worked as head chef at the North Reading High School Cafeteria and had several part-time jobs at Filenes.

Laura was a woman of great strength, overcoming a life of chronic illness. She was a woman of few words, but when she spoke everyone listened. Her sense of humor was her ability crack wise. She was a rock, solid citizen, honest and trustworthy. She was a loyal friend and confidant.

Laura loved her grandchildren, beyond belief and was always there for them on a moments notice. She was a patriotic woman and wife of a Marine Corps officer. Laura enjoyed playing cards with lady friends at the Vittori-Rocci in Beverly.

Family members include her beloved husband of 62 years, Louis Datillo; her loving daughter, Desneige M. Datillo of North Reading; sons, Peter K. Datillo and his wife Kate of East Kingston, N.H. and Matthew A. Datillo and his wife, Ginger of Winthrop; cherished grandchildren, Isabella Grace Datillo, Alexander Louis Datillo and Nicholas Donald Datillo, all of East Kingston, N.H.; she had nine late brothers who all served in World War I and World War II, and a late sister, Jacqueline Swift.

Her funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Tuesday, May 16 at 9:45 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m., Funeral Mass at St. Theresa's Church, 63 Winter Street (Route 62), North Reading, a luncheon will follow at Kitty's Restaurant in North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Monday, May 15 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made in her memory to: Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517 or to the American Diabetes Foundation, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215. www.croswellfuneralhome.com.