Mary Olga Almanza was born in Eagle Pass, TX on August 16, 1929 and peacefully passed in her sleep after a lengthy illness on April 13, 2019. She is preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Santos Almanza, newborn son James, her parents, Esteban and Cecilia Rangel, and her sister Lily Fernandez.
When she was young, her family moved to San Antonio, TX. She enjoyed spending time with her sisters Lily and Janie. Mom was very smart and studious. She grew up in San Antonio, Texas, attended Lanier High School. She studied nursing and hoped to attend college but her dad became ill and she had to work to help their family financially. One of her first jobs was an elevator operator at a downtown San Antonio hotel. She married the love of her life, Santos on July 2, 1950. Our parents bravely left their home base of San Antonio when they were presented with a better future in Houston, where they resided since 1963. They moved with five children and later had their 6th in Houston. Mom was a dedicated mother first and foremost; she treasured her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She embraced every moment with us. She raised her children Catholic and made sure we were all educated in the faith. Mom enjoyed spending time with her family. Mom was an accomplished homemaker and our family financial advisor (raising six kids she had this down to a fine tune).
Mary is survived by her six children, Richard (Linda), Sylvia (Edward), Roger (Cindy), Bernice (Jerry), Elsa (Hector) and Ronnie (Veronica), 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and sister, Janie Mireles, along with many nieces and nephews.
