Laura M. Chew

Born on Feb. 7, 1942, Laura Marie Hanlin was raised in Union City, PA by her late parents Marjorie and Kenneth Hanlin. She was one of six children and graduated from Union City High School in 1960. She is preceded in death by two of her brothers Gordon & Kenneth Hanlin. She leaves behind three siblings and three sisters-in-law, whom she was deeply connected to, Noreen Hurlburt, Jerry Hanlin, and Keith (Linda) Hanlin, Ann Hanlin, & Karen Hanlin, along with many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

After high school, she went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University, where she graduated in 1964 with a Bachelors in Secondary Education and French. In 1964 she started her career with the Warren County School District, teaching French and English in full time and part time capacities until 1991. In 1992, she became the coordinator of Religious Education and youth activities at Holy Redeemer Church, where she worked until her retirement in 2007.

After moving to Warren, she met the love of her life and married her husband Lee Chew, with whom she is now reunited. They married in 1968 and over the next 54 years created a beautiful life together. They had five children of their own and opened their home to many foster children and former wrestlers/students who simply needed a loving home to be in. Laura leaves behind a legacy of people who will miss her so deeply, especially: Ralph Chew (Lori), Heidi Osborne (Mark), Caryn Ryan (Matt), Derek Chew (Kelly), Kathleen Haslett (Luke), granddaughter, Dena Penley (Steve), and foster daughter, Roxanne Larson (Don). Laura and Lee were blessed with 19 grandchildren, who filled their lives with even more love and joy.

Laura was a devout Catholic and active member at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. While working, she gave so much of her time to help shape the faith and lives of young people and taught so many children that church could be a fun, loving, and safe space for all. She taught the importance of volunteer work and then devoted her time to many different charities for as long as she could. For many years, she oversaw St. Joe’s soup kitchen for Holy Redeemer, volunteered for the auxiliary at Warren General Hospital, and worked the book seller at the Warren Public Library.

Like her husband, Laura was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching all professional, college, and high school sports, especially ones in which her grandchildren played. If Warren athletics were on the radio, you would find her at home listening to the game. Along with all the children she took care of, she always had a stray dog that she opened her home to and loved. Laura truly was the salt of the earth and will be missed by so many.

Please join the Chew family to celebrate the life of their mother at Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East St., Warren, PA., on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 6 to 8 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer R.C. Church, 11 Russell St., Warren, PA., on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at 11 A.M. with Fr. Mark O’Hern, Pastor, officiating, assisted by Deacon Raymond Wiehagen. A luncheon will follow in the church center directly following the Mass. Interment will be in St. Teresa R.C. Cemetery, Union City, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in her name to St. Joseph Soup Kitchen, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Waren, PA. 16365 or Holy Redeemer Faith Formation Fund, 11 Russell St., Warren, PA. 16365, or the Warren Public Library Association, 205 Market Street, Warren, PA. 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.