After a protracted battle with cancer, Laurie Salas died on December 1, 2016 in New Orleans, LA at the age of 56. She leaves behind her beloved fiancé, Blake Phelps and her sons, Jeffrey and Matthew Salas. Laurie was born on January 7, 1960 in New Orleans, LA to father Oliver Gerard Long and mother Thelma Louise Munster Long, who predeceased her. She was the youngest amongst her siblings. Laurie graduated from Cabrini High School in 1978. She then pursued a Bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University in Nursing and graduated in 1982. After excelling in her field, she decided to get her Master's degree. In May 2010, she achieved her goal and graduated from Loyola University with a Master's in Nurse Practitioner. Throughout her career she worked at St. Charles General Hospital, Touro Hospital, West Jefferson Hospital and CIS (Cardio Institute of the South). Laurie was a driven professional with a passion for running & tennis. She was an avid tennis player in Laplace and Luling for years. After moving to Metairie, she played league tennis including TNT, JCCA, and on her own court at home with friends. She and her friend/tennis partner Linda Doyle won 1st place in the Women's Double 3.5 Fall Flex League in 2015. When diagnosed with lung cancer in December of 2015, she remained dedicated to her work, her sport and her will to fight her illness. Laurie appeared on television and hosted events to raise awareness for lung cancer in nonsmokers and money for lung cancer research. Laurie remained fun loving, brave and even managed to keep her sense of humor throughout her entire battle with this deadly disease. Laurie, preceded in death by her parents, is survived by her fiancé and children, as well as her brother, Tom Long, her sister, Letha Miller, her brother-in-law Charles B. Miller, and her nieces and nephew, Kelly Miller Anderson, Ashley Long, Adrienne Long, & Tommy Miller. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Laurie's service which will be held at 12:15 pm on Friday, December 9, 2016 at JACOB SCHOEN & SON, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. Visitation will be from 10:30 am until the time of the service. Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery.