Laura M. Novacic

Laura “Laurie” Kelly Novacic, 63, entered into eternal rest on August 17th, 2025, after courageously battling breast cancer for nearly 4 years. The daughter of the late Thomas Kelly and the late Lauretta Tormenti Kelly, she spent her childhood and school-aged years in Shaler, PA. Laura later returned to her hometown of Sharpsburg, PA, where she raised four children of her own. She departed this world surrounded by her family, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, and devotion that will echo for generations to come. 

Laura spent her life dedicated to her loved ones, enjoying the company of her children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. 

To her children, she was more than a parent; she was a confidante, a teacher, and a steadfast supporter through every triumph and tribulation. 

She celebrated every milestone, large and small, delighting in the successes of her family as if they were her own, and especially enjoyed baking cookies, and attending her children’s and grandchildren's sporting events, cheering from the sidelines. 

Laura is survived by her children, Teresa, Melisa, Stephen, and Adam (Julianna); her grandchildren, Christopher, Jacob, Matthew, Michael, William, Henry, Kyle, Stephen, and Mackenzie; and her brothers Thomas, Timothy, Michael (Cindy), Martin (Terri), and John (Marilu). She is also survived by her former husband and lifelong friend, Stephen Novacic, his mother Katherine, and sister Pauline. 

As we come together to celebrate her life, we are reminded of the countless ways she touched our hearts. May she rest in peace, forever wrapped in the love she so freely gave. 

A special thanks to the staff of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at St. Margaret, Magee-Womens, and Shadyside hospitals who treated Laura with tremendous support, compassion, and care.

Friends received Sunday, August 24, from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at Slater Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Sharpsburg 820 Main Street, Sharpsburg, PA 15215. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 25th, at 11 am in the funeral home, immediately followed by committal service at St. Mary's Cemetery, Sharps Hill Road. 

The family welcomes memorial donations towards breast cancer research at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Please make checks payable to the University of Pittsburgh. Gifts may be mailed with a memo indicating that this gift is in memory of Laura Novacic to UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, or make a gift online at https://hillman.upmc.com/difference/supporting/make-a-gift.