TRLA Remembers: Sandra Prieto
TRLA's own Sandra Prieto, a fixture in our Eagle Pass office, passed away on the morning of Saturday, January 27, 2024. She was 48 years young and had been a legal assistant with TRLA for almost 26 years.
Sandra Prieto lived a well-lived life – her soul was fueled by her creativity, passion for life, and appreciation for those around her. With much interest in the world around her, you could find Sandra crafting, tending to her many pets (dogs, birds, turtles, and even squirrels), rooting for the Houston Astros, or on the field playing softball with the local women’s league.
Sandra became a widow early in life and later had her two daughters, Krystal and Jasmine, who would eventually grow up around the office. She was resilient– keeping her children at the root of everything she did, not missing a moment, and always there for them with unwavering support.
In the spring of 1998, Sandra walked into her local TRLA office in Eagle Pass to apply for the legal assistant position. Who would’ve thought we’d build a lifelong partnership nearly twenty-six years later and appreciate Sandra’s contributions until the end?
“Loyal, good-humored, and would take any chance to support the team,” says Javier Riojas, Eagle Pass Branch Manager and, at the time, the person who interviewed her all those years ago. “I gave her a chance. And I’ve never regretted that decision,” he shared. Adding undeniable value to TRLA and her team, Sandra often supported critical litigation emergencies without hesitation. “We’d often burn the midnight oil together,” says Javier, “the girls were always there too; they were family.”
Her compassion and willingness to serve our client and the Eagle Pass communities were often recognized and will be remembered beyond her time.
As her family recalls special moments, they shared her love for fishing while watching the sunset, especially on a river west of Del Rio. To celebrate her life, the family and both the Eagle Pass and Del Rio offices will come together at that same spot on the river, where they’ll then spread her ashes. “She would’ve loved that,” her daughters shared.
The services will be held privately for family only, as they’d like those who knew Sandra to remember her as she was.
“The Eagle Pass office is not work; it’s family.”
– Sandra Prieto