Rosalinda Elizondo

On September 20, in San Antonio, TX, Rosalinda E. Elizondo, was embraced by the loving arms of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who ushered her to the heavenly dwelling place His Father prepared for her from the beginning of Time. Her fruitful sojourn in this earthly life lasted 94 years. She proved to be an astute, pioneering businesswoman and a protective and loving wife and mother.

Her adventurous spirit manifested itself on January 17, 1922, in Monterrey, Mexico, when the impatient baby entered this world before her father, Anselmo Elizondo, arrived with a doctor to assist her mother, Maria del Refugio Osuna de Elizondo, at the birth. Her daddy named her Rosalinda, "Beautiful Rose" because even when angry, people still had to call her "Beautiful Rose."

She was nicknamed Locha. Adventure arrived early in her life: the "Cristero War" of the 20's forced the family to move to Laredo, TX. Back in Monterrey, teenaged Locha yearned to participate in her hometown's dynamic economic progress. Graduating from business school at 15, she worked at her uncle's enterprises, becoming an early pioneer for young working women in the 30's.

Nine years later, in 1946 at 24, she married San Antonio businessman Oscar A. Elizondo. At the altar, Rosalinda pledged herself profoundly to marriage and motherhood. The newlyweds lived in downtown San Antonio and managed Oscar's father, Matilde Elizondo's La Gloria store at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church neighborhood. The Urban Renewal bulldozer destroyed their home and business and disrupted the young couple's success, forcing the family, now including their only child, Patricia Irene, to embark on a series of moves to several cities and forays into varied business activities, facing life's challenges with a united front.

In 1978, after 21 years of sacrifice, Locha and Oscar again realized their dream of business ownership. With an initial loan from Oscar's sister, Aurora Elizondo Smith, the couple enjoyed enormous success at La Canasta Tortilla Factory and La Tapatia Mexican Food, 2806 Nogalitos, for 15 years. They worked hard, provided up to 50 jobs, hosted family, friends and celebrities and enjoyed the adventure of world travel. In 1982, Locha's nutritious recipes prompted the Medical Center's Obesity and Risk Reduction Clinic to declare many of her menu items among the healthiest in town.

In the 90's a favorable review by the Express-News' food writer prompted food lovers to discover her authentic Mexican food. In 1993, Locha and Oscar sold the business. In 1997, the Lord took Oscar home. Locha and Patti continued their journey as an inseparable team facing life's challenges together. Locha's maternal commitment motivated her to press on despite the health challenges of advancing age. Her motherly concern for Patti persisted to her last heartbeat even as the Lord Jesus outstretched His arms to embrace her in heavenly bliss.

She leaves behind a heartbroken daughter, grieving extended family on both sides of the border and a multitude of deeply saddened friends and admirers.

Her life will be celebrated this Friday, Sept 30: Visitation 5:30 pm, Rosary 6:30 pm at Porter Loring, downtown.

On Saturday, Oct.1: Mass of the Resurrection 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church,

Interment at San Fernando Cemetery #2.