Laura Dow Hedberg Spalding of Houston, Texas, passed away too soon on July 12, 2025. Born in Barcelona, Spain on January 28th, 1970 to Nancy and Jim Hedberg, Laura's life was marked by a deep love for her children, family, and friends and an unstinting passion for life, all played out to the tunes of Neil Diamond, Elton John, ABBA, and Johnny Cash.
A woman of taste, elegance and grace, she dazzled with her knowledge of history, poetry and the fine arts and joy in the everyday. In the same breath, she could discuss changes at the Musee d’Orsay with the latest update on the soapiest of dramas. A meal of salmon and caviar could play second fiddle to a stop at Popeyes. She made lowquat jam out of fruit pulled off the tree in her backyard but over salted family dinners. She would negotiate and haggle like nobody’s business, then drop a bundle if someone was in need.
Laura had an innate sense of style and unmatched creativity that she tried and
failed to pass on to her children, at least according to them. The photos in local papers did not do justice to her fabulous appreciation for fashion. She famously elevated a dress bought at a dime store to look like haute couture. The parties she threw during college at Texas A&M, the University of Houston’s Law School, and later in River Oaks were legendary for their decoration, food and entertainment. She was always hearing about how iconic her invitations and Christmas cards were. Her quick wit and contagious laughter lit up the room.
Despite her successes, Laura remained grounded and proud of her roots. Her family, and especially her children, always came first. She supported their dreams, never forgot a birthday or holiday, never lost the opportunity to give a hug and never asked for anything in return. Laura lived all over the world, from Spain and Singapore, to Norway and finally Houston. She grew up with a pet monkey called Ichabod and numerous cats.
Laura is survived by her cherished children, James Edward Benjamin “Jeb” Spalding and Paris Alexandra “Lexie” Spalding, her parents, James and Nancy Hedberg of Houston, Texas; her sisters, Randi, Linda, and Kristy. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. When we see her again, we hope to hear the infectious cackle of her laughter, feel the warmth of her enveloping hugs — and be invited to one of her stupendous parties.
BOILERPLATE PARA: A Memorial service will be held at the Chapel of St. John the Divine (2450 River Oaks Blvd, Houston, TX 77019) on July 25th at 11:00 in the morning. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made in her name to the Houston Area Women’s Center.
Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, where the family has decided on a private graveside service.
Thank you for visiting this memorial web page. Please sign the online guest book to let the family know you were here thinking of them.
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