Laura Filbert was born on Jan. 13, 1959 and passed away on Jan. 2, 2013 following a long illness.

She began her career at Knightsen Elementary School as a substitute teacher in 1997 and became a classroom teacher in 1998. She taught kindergarten, first grade and second grade at Knightsen Elementary and Old River Elementary School.

Laura always educated the whole child. She maintained relationships with her students and their families, understanding that the education of a young child is most successful when the parents are encouraged to participate in the students’ education. Several of those parents returned to volunteer in her classroom year after year even when their children had moved on to other teachers. Laura had true empathy for students who needed extra help or were experiencing learning difficulties, and dedicated herself and her time to helping them.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Mrs. Filbert on Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. in Knightsen Elementary School starting with a Luminaria Walk. A reception will follow in the multi-purpose room. Anyone choosing to decorate one of the luminaria or write a personal message on it may pick one up in the school office.

In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Filbert’s family has requested that donations be made to California Pacific Medical Center Fund (Cancer Clinical Trial Research Fund), P.O. Box 45902, San Francisco, CA 94154.