Laura J. Crognali

1930 - 2025

Laura J. Crognali, 95, of Lower Burrell, passed peacefully in her sleep the morning of Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. Born Nov. 11, 1930, in New Kensington. She is survived by her son, Joseph (Cheryl) Crognali; daughters, Pamela (Willard) Pelican and Sandra Meanor; her six grandchildren, Lauren, Megan, Kristina, Adam, Emily, and Kyle; and her sister, Shirley Carvin of New Kensington. Laura was an incredible woman who was never afraid to speak her mind. From accusing everyone of cheating at Parcheesi to yelling at her favorite Pittsburgh sports teams on TV about what she thought of their playing, she was known for her sass! Those who knew Laura best shared memories of sitting around her kitchen table, mugs in hand, playing 500 Rummy, Pinochle, or Parcheesi, building a puzzle, or just chatting. For special occasions, that very same table was covered with her baking blankets, filled with fruit cookies, holiday pies, and her signature buns, which were only a quick grab away and always got sent home with you! No one ever left hungry! Laura loved playing bingo with her sister, Shirley, and she was always happy to have grandkids tag along, as long as no one told Pap how much she spent! She loved showing off her flowers on her porch and her bottle baby goats, who she liked to joke were her favorite "kids". Laura lived a long and full life, enriching the lives of all those around her as a wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She will be watching over her family, making sure everyone is "being good" until we all one day join her again around her table. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Martha Tawney Shank; husband, James V. Crognali, on Nov. 24, 2021; and numerous siblings. Private funeral services and interment in Greenwood Mausoleum by RUSIEWICZ FAMILY OF FUNERAL DIRECTORS, Arnold & Lower Burrell. www.RusiewiczFH.com.