She was a graduate of Atlee Parr High School in 1980, received her BS in accounting and general business from St. Edward’s University Austin, Texas in 1984, and her MS of business administration from Kennedy-Western University. She served as Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for Operation Homefront for 10 years, she was awarded the prestigious CFO of the year Award in 2013 from the San Antonio Business Journal C-Suite Awards recognizing outstanding local leaders in their field. She also served as CFO with the San Antonio Area Red Cross for nine years. During her tenure at Red Cross, she managed the San Antonio Hurricane Katrina and Rita evacuation financial assistance process representing approximately $6 million and was one of the first members of the National Red Cross Finance Disaster Relief Team. Laura was one of 10 employees chosen to spearhead the redevelopment of Kelly Air Force Base, currently known as Port of San Antonio, and managed the development of the accounting department representing about $15 million in funding. Laura also worked with the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs for eight years in accounting and audit. There she established an accounting system to enhance operational efficiency that managed and tracked $100 million in federal funds and also spearheaded a department audit that found approximately $1 million in misplaced federal funds. But most importantly she had commitment, dedication, value, friendship and leadership throughout these great accomplishments in her career.
Preceded in death by her parents Lauro and Chalila Yzaguirre, her sister Nilda Canales, her maternal grandparents Jesus and Beatriz Lopez, her paternal grandparents Abel and Elena Yzaguirre and numerous aunts, uncles and one cousin.
Laura leaves behind her partner of 22 years, Debbie Davila of Converse, Texas, her precious dogs, Sammy and Lucy, who she loved dearly. Her sister Nena (Juan) Benavides of Benavides, Texas, her brother J.A. (Patty) Yzaguirre of Benavides, Texas Hane Martinez of Corpus Christi, Texas (her childhood nanny and 2nd Mom), her nephew J.J. Benavides (Amanda Chavira) of Corpus Christi, Texas. Her nieces Cecilia (Edward) Arredondo of Alice, Texas, Pamela Canales (Ramon Morales) of Benavides, Texas, Ana Lisa Ingalls (Corey) of Converse, Texas, Michelle Canales (Dalton Hill) of Converse, Texas, Gabriela Yzaguirre of Benavides, Texas. Her grand nieces and nephews (Scotty, Cecily, Joseph, Logan, Alayna, Gianna, Adlin, and Luke).
Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Rosary on Friday, August 31, 2018, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in San Antonio. A chapel service will take place Saturday September 1, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.
Family thanks everyone for your well wishes and prayers for our precious Laura.
