Laura Lee Zamborsky (nee Collins), passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the
age of 85. She was born on July 13, 1940, in Cincinnati, OH.

Predeceased by her parents, Clyde and Catharine (Lynch) Collins; brother Matthew Collins;
sister Cathie (Collins) Grinrod; her husband George; and her grandson Collin Yared Smith, who
was named after her.

Laura is survived by her 3 children: Cheri (Mark) Smith; Dave Zamborsky; and Kevin (Lindy)
Zamborsky, as well as her 5 grandchildren, who called her “Lala”: Moira, Elayna & Ava Smith;
and Connor & Emma Zamborsky. Also survived by her siblings Gary (Irene) Collins; and Mark
(Barbara) Collins.

Laura was a secretary with the Parkway School District and the Ladue School District, both in
St. Louis, MO. She was an avid supporter of her children’s involvement in band, serving as the
Parkway West Band Booster President, and attending performances for her two sons, who are
both band directors, for over forty years. After retiring from her school secretary roles, Laura
was an active grandma – Lala was a caregiver, traveling to Oklahoma every summer to take
care of Connor & Emma when Kevin & Lindy returned to school. Lala was a tremendous help to
Cheri and Mark when Cheri was pregnant and on full bedrest with Ava, and Ava’s middle name
Laurelle is also a namesake to Laura. Lala volunteered regularly at St. Ann Catholic School,
where Moira, Elayna, Collin & Ava attended, drove carpool, and did OASIS tutoring for other
students.

Laura spent many years researching her family tree through Ancestry, and traced her family’s
roots as far back as the mid-1500’s. She was a fantastic seamstress, sewing many clothes for
Cheri, Dave & Kevin, as well as doll and Barbie clothes for Cheri and later for Moira, Elayna &
Ava. She loved making matching holiday dresses for her granddaughters. Her hobbies also
included cross stitching, reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, baking (she was well known for her
outstanding Christmas cookies), and bird watching, a hobby her daughter Cheri and
granddaughter Moira now also share. Laura loved her two cats, Sasha & Florence.
Laura was also proud of her Irish heritage, and was a member of the Ancient Order of
Hibernians. She was an active member of St. Ann parish since 2009, and served as a
communion minister and reader at masses. She was a member of “The Bel-Nor Book Club”,
and the St. Ann Ladies Group.

The family extends sincere appreciation to all of the caregivers at Evelyn’s House, where Laura
spent her last days. Heartfelt thanks to the St. Ann parish community, and Laura’s friends &
neighbors, who welcomed her in so kindly when she moved to Bel-Nor in 2009, and who always
looked out for her. Our mom lived the life she wanted and deserved, independently and happily,
surrounded by love.

SERVICE INFORMATION:
A mass to celebrate Laura’s life will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church (7530 Natural Bridge
Rd), on Saturday, January 17 at noon. Visitation prior to mass, 10:00am – 11:30am, in church.
Reception to follow mass in parish center, 1:30 -3:30pm.
Please wear purple and pink, Laura’s favorite colors!

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, please make donations in Laura’s name to:
-St. Ann Catholic School (7532 Natural Bridge Rd. Normandy, MO 63121)
-Evelyn’s House hospice facility (www.foundationbarnesjewish.org/transform-health-care OR
mail to: The Foundation for Barnes Jewish Hospital, PO Box 790369 St. Louis, MO 63179-9917)