Laura Mary (Tetreault) Vear

Laura Mary Vear
1957 – 2025

North Grosvenordale – Laura Mary (Tetreault) Vear, age 68, beloved wife of James D. Vear, died Monday, November 17, 2025, at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Laura was born in Cumberland, Rhode Island, daughter of the late Laurent and Joan (Duval) Tetreault.  She earned her Master’s Degree from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA and was an Adult Mental Health Therapist for the last 30 years at Community Care Alliance.

Laura is survived by her husband of 42 years, James D. Vear of North Grosvenordale; her children, India Rose Vear and her fiancé Jerrett Sartelle of North Grosvenordale, Leslie Fontaine and her husband David of Woodstock, John Vear and his wife Jennifer of North Grosvenordale, Donna Vear Hamilton and her husband Brian of Pomfret; six grandchildren, Korina, Samantha, Adam, Jennifer, Collin and Eli; and by three great-grandchildren, Amara, Mallory and Nico.  She was predeceased by a brother, David Tetreault of New Hampshire.

Laura enjoyed wildlife photography, everything and anything regarding animals and started the Education Building at Southwick’s Animal Farm in Mendon.  She enjoyed spending time with her alpaca, donkey, her llama Gilly and her three goats.  She was also a member of the Quinebaug Photo Club.

Laura recently retired from her position at Community Care Alliance and her co-worker and friend Amy Skurka wrote the following regarding Laura: 

“Laura Vear, MA, PC, retired recently from her position as master’s level clinician in our Community Support Program. In 1995, Laura began her career with CCA (then known as Northern RI Community Mental Health Center) as the Manager of the Singleton House Group Home. She led her team with a creative approach where she championed holistic mental health practices that were new and at the forefront in a field that was rapidly developing. From the very beginning, Laura was uniquely able to integrate her love of nature and animals into her career. At the group home, she engaged residents in a number of non-traditional psychosocial rehabilitation activities such as gardening and volunteering to walk dogs at a shelter in the community. She later transitioned to a CSP Masters Level Clinician & Coordinator of Recovery Support Services position providing individual and group therapy as well as expanding recovery-focused services.

In this role, Laura will be remembered for assisting individuals with building on their personal strengths and for providing pet therapy with her beloved therapy dogs (Shad, Brie, & Shiloh).

During her career at CCA, Laura was instrumental in bringing Peer Recovery Services to Rhode Island.

Laura began mentoring peers in 2001, developing and supporting a peer-run, client-centered, social integration program at CCA.  She was also a key player in the development of the State endorsed Peer Recovery Specialists training series.  Laura collaborated with other agencies in RI to develop the 46-hour curriculum for Peer Recovery Specialists pursuing RI State level certification that is in place today.  In 2018, Laura received the Parent Support Network’s Peer Recovery Specialist Supervisor of the Year Award.  Laura is a kind, compassionate, and strong woman who has dedicated her career to the Peer Specialist movement and to making a difference in the lives of those she worked with.”

The family is thankful to Amy and the staff of the Community Care Alliance.

At Laura’s request there are no calling hours or funeral services planned.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Connecticut Audubon Society – Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home & Cremation, 48 School Street, Webster, MA has been entrusted with Laura’s arrangements.  A memorial guestbook is available at www.shaw-majercik.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Laura Mary (Tetreault) Vear, please visit our floral store.