Obituary of Laura Collier Cinquanti

Laura Cinquanti, 81, of Homer, New York passed away June 29, 2019 with her family by her side. She was born December 30, 1937 in Cortland, New York, the daughter of the late Henry and Dorothy (Goodale) Collier. Laura was a graduate of Cortland High School in 1955, Mohawk Valley Community College in 1957 and was a lifelong resident of the Homer/Cortland area. Professionally she was best known for her 35 year career at Cinquanti Real Estate, the family business she was so proud of. Laura was a pioneering female in leadership roles serving as the first female president or chairperson in professional and civic organizations which at the time were largely organized by men. She was the first female president of the Cortland County Board of Realtors, serving in many other leadership positions over her real estate career. She was a former trustee for Cortland Memorial Hospital and later on was a Hospital volunteer. At age 33 she was the first female United Fund president. She was active in the early years of Cortland Zonta Club and took particular interest in the Garden Club and her investment group. In the mid 70's she was among the first to attend the now annual "March for Life" in Washington DC. She thoroughly enjoyed and loved all of her coffee group friends who became her precious window to the world. The activities, conversation and camaraderie were a blessing that enriched her life in so many ways. Intensely proud of her grandchildren, she followed each of their activities closely on social media when she was unable to attend in person. She was a very strong, proud and principled woman but life wasn't always that serious for Laura as she enjoyed a hardy and sometimes hysterical laugh at life's occasional awkward moments particularly when they involved her daughter. She was fortunate to enjoy winters in Florida for over 40 years but she cherished her roots and her home in Homer, New York. Laura is survived by a son Steve (Terri) Cinquanti, daughter Cheryl (Phillip) Herman of Medford, New Jersey and grandchildren Nick Cinquanti, Collier (Alexis) Greene, David (Kelly) Herman, Michael Herman, Sean Herman, Leslie Herman, Sara Herman and Samantha (Michael) Kennedy, brother-in-law Philip Cinquanti, sister-in-law Patricia Collier, eight great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. In her final years her dear and loyal friend Ernie Southworth brought her great comfort and joy. Mrs. Cinquanti was predeceased by William, the love of her life and husband of 55 years in addition to her siblings James Collier, Eleanor Robinson and Lois Ross. The family will receive friends at the Homer Congregational Church Wednesday July 3, 2019 from 11:00am to 1:00pm immediately followed by a memorial service conducted by the Reverend Vicki Burtson. A reception will follow in the Russell Fellowship Room. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in Laura's honor to the Homer Congregational Church, 28 South Main Street, Homer, New York 13077.