Laura Mae (Hicks) Prievo passed away on March 25, 2024 in Carthage, New York at the age of 91. She had been a patient at Carthage Area Hospital.

The fourth of five children, Laura was born November 19, 1932 in Adams, New York to James and Lillian Hicks. The family moved to Carthage, New York in the early 1940's, where Laura attended local schools. As a Junior in High School, and on the basis of scholarship and extra-curricular activities, she was selected by the auxiliary of Bassett-Baxter post, American Legion, to attend Empire Girls' State at Skidmore College. She became Valedictorian of her graduating class in 1950.

Later that year, she married Richard C Prievo, at the time a Sergeant in the United States Air Force. The couple lived for a time at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts before returning to Carthage.

She is survived by her spouse, Richard Prievo, her children Steven Prievo and Georgina Hegney, Kathleen and Jim Clark, Brenda and Richard Cross, Ernest and Cheryl Prievo,

Barbara Prievo, and Michael and Debra Prievo.

She is also survived by her sister Mary Lou Embrey of Hope Mills, North Carolina, John and Mary Beth Hicks of Henderson, New York, sixteen grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews throughout Canada and the United States.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Robert and Norman Hicks.

Laura worked as a typesetter and proofreader for the Carthage Republican Tribune. When her boss, the late Robert C Rich, realized her writing skills, he gave her the opportunity to become a regular contributor to the weekly newspaper. In 1971 she became the "Lady of the House", and delighted readers with her thoughts and observations on the world around her, including the foibles and follies of her six children.

Laura was passionate about history, especially local history. She served her community many years as its historian, and helped to establish the Heritage Room at the Carthage Free Library, a room which houses documents and artifacts on the history of Carthage. She was one of eight historians to receive honorable mention for the first Edmund J. Wilson Award for Excellence, an award presented by the Office of the New York State Historian at the New York State Museum in Albany, New York. She was the only historian from northern New York to win.

As a faithful member of The United Community Church, she served in various roles and often helped to lead Sunday services.

In 1990, Carthage residents joined together to honor her as their Citizen of the Year "in recognition of her untiring efforts, boundless devotion and many accomplishments" in preserving and promoting their community's local history.

She has been recognized by Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division for her volunteer work in supporting soldiers' families.

In addition to volunteering, Laura's hobbies were reading, gardening, knitting and crocheting. While her children were in elementary school, their teachers received crocheted doilies every year as Christmas gifts. All of her grandchildren received baby blankets and sweaters knitted or crocheted by their grandmother.

Contributions in Laura's name can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, the Carthage Free Library, or the United Community Church.

In keeping with Laura's wishes, a private family service will be held and a celebration of her life will be publicly announced at a later date. Arrangements are with the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, Carthage. To leave a condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Carthage Area Hospital and the Carthage Area Rescue Squad for their care and support. A special thank you goes out to Julia, Mom's Aide, for her compassion and support.