Laura N. Cilley, 22

WEBSTER — Laura Nicole Cilley, 22, passed away unexpectedly on March 29, 2025, at her home in Webster.

Laura was born on July 20, 2002, in Laconia, the daughter of Jon and Dawn (McLelland) Cilley.

She enjoyed volleyball, Marvel and DC, any and all animals, Disney, especially Winnie the Pooh, Hello Kitty, art, donuts, horror (in general) and all the big rides at Universal Studios.

Laura graduated cum laude from Roanoke College in Virginia in May 2024 with a dual major in communications and screen studies. She was a proud member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and loved being a “big” to her “little.”

Those that knew her best believed she made her own path and carved her own way, unafraid to speak up for things she saw as injustice. Laura was very involved in her school community and brought her love of philanthropy home after graduation. She would fill her car with food, water and personal care items for the unhoused and would give them out when needed.

After graduation, Laura worked a short-term position where she had the opportunity to connect and work with young people, especially those that needed extra help or were a little bit different. Her connections were not limited to just work — her empathy and kindness helped her forge deep relationships with people who needed it most. She had recently started her dream job with Campbell's as a marketing sales lead in their snack division.

In September of 2024, Laura and her mom traveled to Florida so Laura could donate her stem cells to the Gift of Life. She had registered on her college campus and received a call last year that she was a match. Without hesitation, she said "yes," made the donation and potentially saved a stranger’s life. This is Laura — selfless, kind, philanthropic. We will never know what her true potential would have been in the world but she certainly did a lot in her limited time here on earth.

Laura is survived by her loving parents, Jon and Dawn Cilley; her sister, Brittany; her grandmother, Merlyn McLelland; grandparents Chet and Gracie Cilley; aunts Donna McLelland and Deb Knowlton; uncles Don McLelland Jr. and David McLelland Sr.; close friends Heather and Brian Dumka and many cousins who will miss her sassy spark and dark humor. She was predeceased by her grandfather, Donald P. McLelland Sr., and her uncle Jeff Cilley.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 4, at St. Joseph Parish, 96 Main St. in Belmont.

Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Laconia.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider donating to the account set up at Merrimack County Savings Bank, where the funds would be used to continue Laura’s philanthropic legacy and donations for the unhoused.

Memorial contributions may also be made to Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19123, or at donors1.org/give.

If you are unable to donate financially, please remember to be kind.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.