On February 11, 2018, after a long battle with cancer, Laura Jean Caramella Dianda passed from this life surrounded by her family and went to be with her heavenly Father. Laura was born on October 1, 1945 in Reno, Nevada at St. Mary’s Hospital to Marcelle Bawden Caramella and Ernest John Caramella as a third generation Nevadan.
Laura grew up on the Caramella Ranch, a working dairy farm located on Peckham Lane where today the Atlantis Hotel sits. Laura attended Anderson Elementary School, Vaughn Middle School and graduated from Bishop Manogue High School all the while being very involved in 4-H where she raised Hereford beef and sheep going so far as to winning a trip to Chicago for her successes. She had a passion for tap dancing and participated in the baton twirling club, the Twirlers, the Manogue Drill Team and several clubs and organizations during high school including student council. Laura had a deep lifelong love for all animals but in particular for her dogs and horses. She was heavily involved in equestrian activities including the Flag Team, barrel racing and pole bending from a young age.
Laura went on to attend the University of Nevada, and afterwards worked at the Washoe County Assessor’s Office until marrying the love of her life, Norman L. Dianda on April 29, 1967. She was above all a dedicated daughter, wife and mother and later, grandmother. After the family ranch sold, she moved her mother into a home built lovingly for her by Norm and Laura next to their own.
She was always happy to volunteer her time at her sons’ schools, Little Flower Elementary and Bishop Manogue High School in whatever capacity was needed. She loved attending Mike and Chris’s football and basketball games, respectively, through high school. Her support and attendance was uninterrupted as she reveled in being a part of her grandchildren’s sports and activities as well.
Laura found great joy in always having a delicious home cooked meal on the stove. Everyone was welcome when it came to enjoying her homemade ravioli and gravy (not sauce!) and famous Rice Krispie treats!
She was preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Marcelle Caramella. She is survived by her husband of over 50 years Norm Dianda, her sons Mike (Julie Welch) and Chris (Jaimie Bertelson), and her grandchildren Joey, Gianna, Kendall, Reece, & Christopher Ryder Dianda and Tyler & Kayla Forshey, her brother Ernie Caramella, her sisters-in-law Sandy Kerr & Edna Dianda and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Laura was a lifelong and devout Catholic; there will be a Rosary at Walton’s Funeral & Cremations at 875 W. 2nd Street on February 19, 2018 at 7:00pm and a Funeral Mass will be held on February 20, 2018 at 10:00am at Our Lady of the Snows Church, Reno.
In lieu of flowers, the family is grateful for contributions made to a memorial fund her in name at the Nevada Humane Society, a favorite charity of Laura’s.

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