Laura M. Brainard, 92, of Elk Township, Warren County, PA, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2019, at St. Vincent Hospital, in Erie, PA. Laura was born on September 30, 1927 in Barnes, PA, to the late Frank Barton and Mildred (Knopf) Switzer. Laura was a 1944 graduate of Corry High School. She took a position at Corry-Jamestown at the end of World War II, which required her to leave Hoff Business College six weeks short of graduation. Years later, she became the first teacher's aide in Warren County, working at Scandia School until it closed in 2000. Laura enjoyed music, computers, reading, crocheting, sitting on her porch, spending time in nature, and helping others learn about their family history, especially in Elk Township and surrounding areas. She was also instrumental in the publication of the book, A History of Elk Township, Warren County, PA. Laura is survived by her daughter, Sister Sherrie L. Brainard, O.S.B. ; her two sisters-in-law, Marian A. Barton and Elaine Roberts; two nephews, Robert Gates and Charles Gates; and many extended family and friends. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Edwin M. Brainard, whom she married on January 26, 1951 at Scandia Covenant Church; her brother, Lewis Barton; and her maternal grandmother, Ethel E. Tremain. Friends will be received from 5-7 PM on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, at the Peterson-Blick Funeral Home, Inc., 1003 Penna. Ave. E. Warren, PA 16365. A Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 10 AM on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at Holy Redeemer Church, 11 Russell Street, Warren, PA, with Rev. Stephen Schreiber. It has been requested that memorial contributions be made to the Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama; Sacred Heart Monastery, 916 Convent Road NE, Cullman, AL 35055.