Hermelinda Oliva

Hermelinda “Mema” Oliva, 84, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025. She was born on October 28, 1940, in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Catalina Piña and Anacleto Ramírez. Mema earned a degree in accounting and married the love of her life, Ricardo Oliva, on November 9, 1961. In her younger years, she helped her grandmother Micaela by making gorditas to sell in Mexico, a memory cherished by her family. Over the years, she worked in many roles that reflected her strong work ethic and kind spirit — as a caretaker, accountant, restaurant worker, and later in office maintenance. She also enjoyed connecting with others as a salesperson for Avon, Tupperware, Home Interior, and Stanley.

Faith and community were an important part of her life. She was a proud member of St. Anne’s Catholic Choir and Las Doñas de Las Macarenas, where she shared her love of music and friendship.

Mema’s greatest joy was her family. She loved crocheting blankets for her loved ones, singing and dancing, playing lotería, sharing nightly coffee with her family, caring for her grandchildren, and keeping watch over the squirrels outside her window. She had a special bond with the family pets and always found joy in their company.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ricardo Oliva; her parents, Catalina Piña and Anacleto Ramírez; and her sister, Christina Azpeitia.

She is survived by her children Ricardo Oliva Jr. (Martha), María Burciaga (Juan), Linda Agundes (Anthony), and Micaela González (Héctor). She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Lupita (Marissa), Vicky (Héctor), Richard (Jennifer), Johnny (Nuvia), Tony, Nancy (Andres), Brandon, Marissa, Stephanie, and Hector Jr. “G,” as well as great-grandchildren Benjamin, Leah, Holly, Timothy, Emma, Lyric Ricardo, Ariana, Delilah, and Benicio. She is also survived by her siblings Elena Oliva, Juan Ramírez, Noé Ramírez, and Anacleto Ramírez.

Mema will be remembered for her warmth, her laughter, and the countless ways she made her family feel loved. Her legacy will live on in the traditions she passed down and the memories she created with each of them.

A visitation for Hermelinda will be held Monday, September 22, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Funeraria Del Angel Crespo, 2516 Navigation Blvd, Houston, Texas 77003. A prayer service will occur Monday, September 22, 2025 at 6:00 pm, 2516 Navigation Blvd, Houston, Texas 77003. A rosary service will occur Monday, September 22, 2025 at 7:00 pm, 2516 Navigation Blvd, Houston, Texas 77003. A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 2405 Navigation Blvd, Houston, Texas 77003. A committal service will follow Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 11:30 am at Morales Cemetery, 912 Buschong St, Houston, Texas 77039.