Laura S. Diaz, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at the age of 97. She was a native of Marksville, grew up in New Orleans, and later in life a resident of Denham Springs, LA. Preceded in death by her husband, Michael Diaz, Sr.; parents, Winn Joseph Soldani and Adele Michot Soldani; siblings, Gerald Soldani, Lucy Mae Soldani Smith, and Ada Soldani Segar. Laura is survived by her children, Linda A. Barkmeier and Michael Diaz, Jr.; grandchildren, Shael Stringer, Scott Stringer, Stuart Stringer, and Vanessa Diaz Sutcliffe; great-grandchildren, Sophia Adele Stringer, Chance Sutcliffe, and Evelyn Sutcliffe. Laura was a licensed cosmetologist and owned three of her own salons in the New Orleans area. She enjoyed entertaining her family and friends and loved cooking for everyone. Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home on Saturday, September 8, 2016 from 10 a.m. until the Funeral Service at 12 p.m. Entombment will follow on the grounds of Greenoaks Memorial Park. Special thanks to the staff of Harvest Manor Nursing Home and to Life Source Hospice for their wonderful care.