Laura Prieto Dillard

Laura Isabel Prieto Dillard, God’s good and faithful daughter, was welcomed into Our Lord’s paradise on Saturday evening, August 20, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas. Laura was 63 years old. She peacefully transitioned from this world while in the company of dear family. Her daughter, husband, youngest brother and his wife prayed and sang to her as her lovely soul transcended.

Laura was born on February 10, 1959, in Laredo, Texas, to Antonio Prieto and Emily Puig Prieto. She was the sixth child of their eight children. Laurita’s precious spirit was evident from a very early age. She shined best when surrounded by those she loved, her many friends and family.

Laura attended Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Macdonell Elementary, St. Augustine Catholic School, and Christen Junior High as a child. She was an accomplished E flat clarinet player in the Martin High School marching band and highly proficient in office skills in the school’s Bilingual Office Education program. Her first job while still in high school was in the ASASH Pest Control office. She was always exuberant and spirited. She loved spending time with friends and family, but she was also committed to God and His church. Laura participated in the De Colores teen retreats, and she taught several catechism grades as well as confirmation classes at St. Augustine Catholic Church and later at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church.

After graduation, Laura pursued and attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with bilingual certification from Laredo State University. During this time, she met and married Tom Dillard. She later gave birth to her pride and joy, her daughter, Katherine Renée.

Laura taught first grade for over 15 years with the Laredo and Jim Hogg County ISDs before working with the State of Texas and the St. Mary’s University distance learning program. She loved working with children and guiding them in their educational pursuits. Her legacy of nurturing their developing minds will live on in each of them.

After retirement, she and her husband relocated to San Antonio, Texas, where they were much closer to their daughter. Laura continued to touch others with her friendly and generous Christian manner. She reached out to others even from a distance. She was truly loved and will be deeply missed by many.

Laura now rejoices with her parents in her heavenly home. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Tom Dillard, and her daughter Dr. Katherine Renée Dillard (Benjamin) Gonzalez. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Emily (Felix) Ugarte, Antonio (Rosie) Prieto III, Jose Luis (Adriana) Prieto, Mary Lou (Rich) Hooton, Victor (Alicia) Prieto, David (Alma) Prieto, Rick (Lynn) Prieto, and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.” Psalm 116:15

A vigil for the deceased will be held on Friday, September 2, 2022, at Hillside Funeral Home from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. A rosary will be recited at 6:30 P.M.

A funeral service will depart on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. from Hillside Funeral Home to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. A mass will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M.

Inurnment will follow to the City of Laredo Cemetery.

You may extend your condolences, share a story, or words of comfort to the family on his virtual obituary found at www.hillsidefuneral.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Rd. Laredo, Texas 78041