Laura Jean Berkman died on Feb. 13, 2025, in Killeen, surrounded by her daughters.
Born on Aug. 4, 1960, in New Hartford, New York, Laura dedicated her life to caring for others, embodying compassion and love in every role she took on.
For the majority of her life, Laura worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, contributing her time and skills across several local nursing homes before becoming a home health aide with Metroplex Home Health Care. Her career was more than a job; it was a calling. Laura cared for all her patients, striving to make their lives easier and more comfortable.
Beyond her professional life, Laura was a devoted mother and sister, known for her loving nature. She found immense joy in her grandsons Leon, 14, and Evan, 12, who brought light and laughter into her life. Her family was her world, and she adored every moment spent with them.
Laura’s strength as a caregiver extended into her role as a mother, nurturing her daughters Brittany and Shianne with kindness and wisdom.
Laura was a strong believer in God and Jesus, having been raised in the Catholic Church. In her spare time, she found solace in reading the Bible, drawing inspiration and strength from her faith, which she shared with her loved ones.
Laura is survived by her daughters Brittany Hernandez (Kyle Ward) and Shianne Smith, and grandsons Leon and Evan. She is also mourned by her siblings John Jr., Donald, Gary, Gladys, Pat, Sue (Bob) Giruzzi, Trudy (Alfonse) Nitti and Louise (Paul) Rosinksi. She is missed by her many friends, including David Sawyer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John Berkman Sr. and Gertrude Perez; her brothers, Robert and David; and her sisters Georgina, Edith and Nancy.
Services will be announced at a later date. Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Copperas Cove has charge of arrangements.
