Laura Lynn Pura OBITUARY
Laura Lynn Pura OBITUARY
Laura Lynn Pura, lovingly known as Laurie, passed away peacefully at her home on February 8, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Laurie was born on December 1, 1958, in Salinas, California, to Wilmer and Ida Rubbo Pura. She grew up on the family ranch in Greenfield with her siblings, Janice, Stan, and Marc, in a home full of love and laughter. Laurie attended Greenfield Elementary and King City High, forging lifelong friendships along the way — and, in a move that surprised exactly no one, was named Miss Congeniality. After high school, she worked as a court reporter for the Santa Cruz Municipal Court.
From childhood through adulthood, Laurie had a deep love for animals — from dogs and horses to 4-H lambs — and, of course, every chicken and peacock roaming Arroyo Seco had a name. She enjoyed painting, swimming, softball, tennis, and golf, and she could be a bit competitive — especially when it came to playing Pedro. In the Pura family, Pedro was mandatory, and Laurie took it seriously. She and her former husband, Bill Massa, hosted many Pedro parties at their home for friends and family, always serving her delicious polenta and stew, filling the house with laughter and adding to the many cherished memories they shared.
One could not talk about Laurie without mentioning her sense of style. It was never quite clear whether she started the leopard-print trend or borrowed it from European designers. Fashion was simply part of who she was — and not even the hills of Cinque Terre, Italy, could stop her from looking fabulous in heels.
Laurie had a contagious smile and laugh, and a magnetic personality that could convince you to try things you never imagined yourself doing — and somehow, you always ended up loving them. She lived fully, inspiring everyone around her to savor life’s moments, and just being near her made you feel fabulous.
Laurie generously donated her time to causes close to her heart. She chaired the events committee for the Hospice Giving Foundation, raising awareness and funds for many years. She was also deeply involved with First Tee of Monterey County and volunteered at the AT&T Pebble Beach Golf Tournament, where her radiant smile welcomed golfers and often extended to hosting visiting players and their families.
Laurie’s adventurous spirit took her traveling across the globe, but no matter where her adventures led, coming home to family was always what mattered most. She attended countless games, performances, graduations, and special occasions — and many times was simply “there” for dinner and a game of Pedro.
Laurie is survived by her father, Wilmer Pura; her siblings, Janice Banta (Russ), Stan Pura (Jamii), and Marc Pura (Tara); 11 nieces and nephews; 10 great-nieces and great-nephews; and her Aunt Lucy Rubbo Solomon, along with her beloved cugini. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Angelina, Isabella, and Madeline, and their mother, Shelly, with whom she shared a special bond. Our Laurie now joins her mother, Ida, and no doubt the two of them have already found two more players for a heavenly game of Pedro.
Laurie was blessed with close friends who visited faithfully, and the family is forever grateful for her caregivers, whose compassion, dedication, and kindness brought love and comfort to her days.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at San Carlos Cathedral, 500 Church Street, Monterey. A Reception will follow, where family and friends are warmly invited to gather, share memories, and honor the joy she brought to so many.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VNA Hospice, 45 Plaza Circle, Salinas, CA 93901, or to an organization of your choice in Laurie’s memory.
Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.
Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com