Laura Teresa Tschida, 58, died at home in Las Cruces, New Mexico on November 14, 2018, after a long illness. Laura was born on January 22, 1960 to Martin and Margaret (Dehler) Tschida of Pierz, Minnesota. Laura was valedictorian of her class at Healy High School in Pierz, graduating in 1978. She graduated from Alexandria Area Technical Institute (Now Alexandria Technical and Community College) in 1979 as a Dietetic Assistant. She lived and worked in Fergus Falls, Minnesota as a Dietetic Assistant for several years before she moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico to escape the Minnesota winters. She enjoyed living in New Mexico with its warm, dry climate, and its beautiful deserts and mountains, which were a source of serenity as well as energy. While she continued to work in the medical field, she attended New Mexico State University and graduated with an Associate in Nursing degree in 1994. She became a Registered Nurse, a profession that she loved and that suited her generous, kind and compassionate personality. She worked at Mesilla Valley Hospital for many years, both in the psychiatric care unit and as an oncology nurse. Laura loved nursing, especially direct patient care where she felt she could make the most difference. Her naturally cheerful disposition and calm demeanor were special assets that she brought to nursing. Laura enjoyed traveling, especially to the ocean, and had planned to travel to West Africa but became too ill to travel. She was an avid reader, an excellent cook, and loved to socialize with her friends. She enjoyed nearly all fitness activities including swimming, hiking, and weight training. She was a hospice volunteer. She will be remembered by her large family for her sense of humor, cheerfulness, and generosity. She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Margaret Tschida, her sister Lynette, and her nephew, Mark Tschida.