She was born March 17, 1966, in Houston, to Wiley and Carol Anderson.

On June 25, 2017 she married Ken Parker, and they were blessed with seven wonderful years together.

She graduated from the University of Texas at Houston with her bachelor of science in nursing and spent 30 years working as a registered nurse. She had a strong passion for helping those in need, which is what made her such a remarkable nurse.

Outside of nursing, she also had an exceptional ability to guide people to the Lord. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption.

Community and loving service were values Laura embodied very well. Throughout the year, she would host many parties with her family and friends, who she cared for more than anything. Beyond this, she was heavily involved in helping the homeless by making charitable donations to shelters and going to pass out food and necessities to the homeless in Austin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wiley and Carol Anderson; her eldest son, Benjamin Wiley Machala; and her stepdaughter’s, husband Jacob Shelp.

Laura is survived by her husband, Ken Parker; her sons, Luke Machala, Samuel Machala, and Michael Machala; her stepdaughters, Angela Parker and Robyn Parker-Miller; and her granddaughters, Emma Shelp and Olivia Shelp.

A memorial visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 24, at Condra Funeral Home in Taylor, with a rosary at 7 p.m.

A memorial Mass will be held Thursday July 25, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s in Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you would consider making a memorial donation in Laura’s name to the Salvation Army in Austin.