Laura Noel Cassinelli was born on Christmas Day 1927 and on January 11, 2024, warm weather parted briefly so that the heavens could welcome her with a blanket of snow across the very city where she was born. Her spirit, endowed to all who knew her, will be carried forth by her four beloved children; David, Jeannie, Tom and Laurie. Her invaluable lessons will be carried on for decades by her 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and countless friends and acquaintances who had the honor of knowing her. Laura was and will forever be a true Nevadan. She was a champion of the Reno/Sparks community for nearly a century. As a child growing up in Reno, she recalled joyfully spending time with her friend Wilma who often accompanied her on walks to get a 5-cent Coke and Superman comic at the Milk Depot on 4th St. Together they frequented the carnival and collected paper dolls out of the Reno Gazette Journal. She attended Orvis Ring Elementary, North Side Junior High and graduated from Reno High School in 1946. Shortly after graduation she would marry her husband, Chester Cassinelli. The two were married for 66 years until his passing in 2012. Together they lived and raised a family on a ranch in Sparks Nevada along the Truckee River. Chester and Laura were big supporters of UNR athletics, holding season tickets for both basketball and football for many decades. Their philanthropy in the community extended far beyond the University to schools, businesses, local charities and service clubs. Laura was a Livestock 4-H leader for twenty years. She was an avid bowler and golfer, whose name graces the walls in many of the cities clubhouses. She and her husband Chester often traveled to play some of America’s most beautiful golf courses. Beyond Reno, Laura’s presence was most often felt in Paradise Valley, NV, where for 53 years her two sons operated a cattle ranch in the shadow of Paradise Peak. There, with her family, she spent many peaceful weekends sitting beneath the cottonwoods and listening to the tranquil chorus of the small creek that wove through the ranch. She loved to live, adored travel and cherished her friendships dearly. She was a woman whose touch would calm and her resolve could shake the earth beneath your feet. She was of a generation that asked for nothing and gave everything. Like she was to her family 96 years ago on Christmas day, she was a gift. A gift to all who knew her. What she left behind to us all isn’t embodied in materialism but rather in memory. Memories of making raviolis with her daughters every holiday season. Memories of bringing the adolescent revolts of her two boys to a thundering halt. Memories her hand lifting your chin in moments of defeat, encouraging you to keep going. Memories of comfort and joy, laughter and an infectious smile that would stir even the most resolute of frowns. Memories of embracing her husband, reminding us all that true love never fades. She will always and forever be ‘Mom’, ‘Grandma’, ‘Great Grandma’ and ‘My Friend.’ Laura is survived by her children, David Cassinelli (Debbie), Jeannie Cassinelli (Larry), Tom Cassinelli (Sharon) and Laurie Bus (Steve). Grandchildren; Keri, Stacy Stoker (Dave), John (Sara), Bill (Mary), Michael (Lisa), Christina Darlington (Don), Denver Nelson (Gianna) Brad Bus (Caitlin), Brian, and Nicole Roberson (Erik). Great grandchildren; Kobe, Savannah, Mason, Dylan, Katie, Hunter, Hailey, Sienna, Cooper, Parker, Corey and Austin. The family would like to extend a thank you to Virginia, Jennifer, Yuliana, Maria and Jocline. Their care, company and friendship was greatly appreciated, by Laura most of all. Funeral services will be held at Mountain View Mortuary, 425 Stoker Ave, Reno Nv on February 3, 2024 at 11 a.m.