Laura E. Rome

LEOMINSTER - Laura E. Rome, 60, of Maynard, Massachusetts, died on Tuesday, January 15 at Rose Monahan Hospice Residence in Worcester.

Laura is survived by her loving and much-loved family - sister Amy R. Rome of New York City, brother Andrew Rome of Brattleboro, VT, and nephews, David Rome of Los Angeles, and Alexander Rome of Northfield, MA
Born in Brattleboro, Vermont, Laura was a daughter of the late Natalie [Margolin] Rome and Jay M. Rome. She grew up in Leominster, attended Abbot Academy and Phillips Academies in Andover, and was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts in Amherst where she earned a Masters Degree in Regional Planning as well.

She was an environmental regulatory specialist and had extensive experience in transportation, energy, and real estate projects, environmental protection, sustainable development, and planning.
Laura started her career in the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection as a Regional Planner in 1990. In 1996 she joined the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office as a MEPA Analyst in the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. There she was responsible for the review of more than 500 projects, including Hanscom Field, the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, McLean Hospital, the Emerald Necklace Environmental Improvements, and Six Flags in Agawam

Laura left government for the private sector in 2001, when she joined Epsilon Associates in Maynard, Massachusetts as an Associate, becoming a Principal in 2010.

Passionate about social justice and environmental issues, Laura was a long-time Board member and the former President of OARS – for the Assabet Sudbury and Concord Rivers. Birds, books, and Barney brought joy to Laura’s life as did her many smart, caring and cherished friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, January 17 at Congregation Agudat Achim, 268 Washington Street, Leominster under the direction of Richard Perlman of Miles Funeral Home of Holden. Burial will follow in Agudas Achim Cemetery, Fitchburg. Immediately following the interment, a Memorial Observance reception will be held at Congregation Agudat Achim.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Laura E. Rome Fund [for books, media and activities related to climate change and social justice] at the Maynard Public Library, 77 Nason Street, Maynard, Massachusetts 01754.