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Laura Holland Smith, 55, died peacefully in her sleep Monday, June 2, 2014, after coexisting, as she liked to say, with rhabdomyosarcoma for 11 months. Born Oct. 24, 1958 to Bobbie Jo and Dick Holland, Laura was the middle child of five and a vibrant, effortless source of joy and warmth to family, friends and strangers throughout her life.
A graduate of Texas A&M University and DeKalb High School in Illinois, Laura split her years between the Midwest and Texas, which helped shape her unique blend of authenticity, kindness and humility.
Three years after marrying her partner and friend Craig Smith on Sept. 29, 1984, Laura gave birth to twin sons Clay and Tyler, who became the focus of her life, love and energy.
A plant lover with a keen eye for style, Laura became a certified Master Gardener while living in Wimberley, Texas and enjoyed creating outdoor spaces filled with brilliant flowers, planters and native species. An avid jogger, she completed the Chicago Marathon in 2008 with her sister Karen, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Laura was predeceased by her father, who died in 2000. She is survived by her husband, Craig; her sons, Clay and Tyler; her mother, Bobbie Jo; her sisters, Karen and Nancy; and her brothers, Alan and Rick.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, Laura requested donations be made to her father's memorial scholarship: Texas A&M Foundation, Soil and Crop Sciences Dept c/o Amanda Ray, Attn: Dick Holland Scholarship Fund, 2474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843.
Per her wishes, a celebration of her life will take place in August at the Carleen Bright Arboretum in Waco, Texas.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear Karen and Holland family, I am so sorry to hear about Laura. I remember her in high school as being such a happy, confident and beautiful spirit. May God comfort you all. Lori Berkes-Nelson
Lori Berkes-Nelson
August 3, 2014
Laura was a true beauty. Wonderful looking and a fabulous personality. She should have been chosen girl with the most beautiful smile in the '76 Barbs yearbook. She got my vote. At least she lived a full and fantastic life. I have nothing but fond memories of Laura. I am sure her family will find comfort in those same reasons.
Jeff Morris
June 15, 2014
Thank you for your kind words,thoughts,and prayers. We are going to miss Laura terribly and it really helps us all to read these kind messages. I hope all is well in corn country...we were telling funny stories about working for the Ag the other night and sharing memories. Steve Irving, I still have ring scars around my ankles from sweat and cement getting in my boots when we stayed up all night trying to finish a foundation you poured too wet! I remember the tennis court well, and also a really terrible swimming pool job we did. Please feel free to tell some funny stories....that's what we are doing and what Laura would want! Like when Laura and Nancy's horses jumped the fence at Oberlin's Nursery and ran down the 6th fairway at KCC, or her unique (weird?) prom dresses, or the fact that she would not swim the butterfly stroke on the swim team because she didn't want her shoulders to get big.
Sincerely,
Rick Holland, and all the Hollands and Smiths.
June 12, 2014
My condolences. May the wonderful memories of her sustain you until God's promises are fulfilled.
John 6:40
June 12, 2014
Al, Rick and Holland Family:
Allow me to offer my condolences in your time of grief. Laura was a real sweetheart. Requiescat in pacem.
Stephan Japuntich
June 11, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Laura's family as you deal with this most trying time. I remember Laura from school as a genuine, caring, and fun person to be around. I know she will be missed by many. Our sincere condolences,
Robert and Lisa Coyle, DeKalb
June 11, 2014
To all the Hollands and extended family : I am so sorry to read of Laura's passing I will always remember the beautiful and fun spirit she had ...my fondest memories of her are as a young girl and she would shout out a hi and just radiate with warmth and love!!! I loved going over to the Hollands house where love just seemed to be in every nook and cranny! I am so deeply sorry ... She will be your angel forever!!! God bless
Mary Graham- stone
June 10, 2014
My heart goes out to all of you! Laura had such a beautiful smile and a heart that everyone loved to be around! So many people loved to be with or around the whole holland family our prayers are with you all!
Jerilyn Faivre
June 10, 2014
Thoughts and Prayers to Karen and family. Sorry to hear of the loss of Laura. God Bless!
Lynn Rourke
June 10, 2014
My condolences to the Holland Family with your lose of Laura. In fact we all carry a heavy heart at this moment to those of us that knew her. As I reflect upon memory, I smile as I remember some wonderful times of our past as school mates. Most of all I will always remember the unique charm and kindness Laura offered to everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her......RIP my Friend, will always remember!
Matt Pasteris
June 10, 2014
Thank you for letting us share in your life Laura! You will be missed but not forgotten. May you rest in peace.
Mary Forster~Hanson
June 9, 2014
To Rick & Famiy, I am sorry to hear about your dear sister. She sounded like a lovely sister. Take care. Blessings,Mary Pecilunas
June 9, 2014
I fondly remember the entire Holland family. Al and Rick each worked for me and building your family tennis court was one of my first building projects. i recently had a sister and brother pass away way to soon and it is just unfair. I remember your sister Laura as a real energetic person with a "Great holland personality". My thoughts are with her and your entire family. Sincerely, Steve Irving
June 9, 2014
Al .Rick and family you are all in our prayers may the lord bless you at this time
Joe and Nina japuntich
June 9, 2014
So sorry to read about Laura's passing, I remember her infectious smile , god bless
Mary Pesut Espy
Mary Pesut espy
June 9, 2014
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