Consuelo Cruz Saucedo

Consuelo Cruz Saucedo did what few people get to do in their lifetime. She celebrated her 105th birthday surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her friend and caregiver Elsa Garcia. She was aware of the celebration and all who were there. She told us she was blessed and had lived a long and “feliz” life.

Consuelo was born on November 3, 1919, and passed away on November 6, 2024, from complications related to pneumonia.

Mother was a tiny, petite woman with a powerfully strong spirit. She was a woman of deep faith and taught her 9 children to pray and worship our Lord and Savior. She was a member of St. Julia Catholic Church (3010 Lyons Rd, Austin, TX) and, along with her sister Herminia Salazar, was very active in church activities. She remained a proud member of the Guadalupanas Ministry until her passing.

Consuelo was preceded in death by her husband, Narciso F. Saucedo, her children Alejandro Saucedo (Joan), Narciso Saucedo Jr. (Dolores), Roberto Saucedo (Theresa), Rodolfo Saucedo, her grandson, Christopher Saucedo and son-in-law Eli Saenz.

She is survived by her children: Hortencia Eureste (Tommy), Herlinda Chavarria (Geno), Benjamin Saucedo (Blondena), Connie Hall (Don), Rebecca Saenz, and Daughters-in-Law Joan Saucedo, Dolores Saucedo, and Theresa Pesquera.

She is also survived by her 19 grandchildren: Scott Saucedo, Tracie Franco, Cindy Rodriguez, James Saucedo, Sandra Saucedo, Deborah Wallace, T.D. Eureste, Jason Chavarria, Marisa Clifford, Andrea Taylor, Stephanie Farber, B.J. Saucedo, David Saucedo, Rachel Martinez, Rick Saucedo, Matt Saucedo, Clay Saucedo, Portia Saucedo, Andres Saenz.

And her 26 great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn Saucedo, Hayden Saucedo, Joshua Franco, Lily Franco, Blas Rodriguez, Julia Rodriguez, Jai Saucedo, Jaela Saucedo, Ella Eureste, Malana Eureste, Bianca Eureste, J.T. Wallace, Max Wallace, Will Wallace, Ryan Clifford, Cindy Clifford, Connor Taylor, Asher Taylor, Alex Farber, Josephine Saucedo, Ben Saucedo, Noah Martinez, Riley Martinez, Parker Martinez, Easton Martinez, Alexa Saucedo, Nico Saucedo who lovingly called her “Lita”.

Consuelo was our family historian and the last surviving member of her immediate family. She often shared stories of her grandparents Antonio Cruz and Juanita (Apodaca) Cruz, her parents Pablo Cruz and Lydia (Puente) Cruz, and her siblings Jesus Cruz, Elvira Alba, Herminia Salazar, Antonio Cruz, Pablo Cruz, Benjamin Cruz, Alfredo Cruz, and Rudy Cruz. She was a walking history book who stayed informed about current events, always reading newspapers and devotionals. She loved to recount her memories of WWII and the many family members who served and sacrificed for the country.

Consuelo and Narciso raised their children on a farm in Cedar Creek, TX, where they grew much of their own food and always had plenty to share with family and friends. She was extremely social and made friends easily, always welcoming others with open arms. People often asked her what the secret was to her long life, and she would say, “hard work.” She often told us that cooking three meals a day for a family of 11 kept her busy, but it was a labor of love. She and Narciso made sure their home was always a place of abundance, not only for their own family but also for anyone who came to visit.

Now, Consuelo is once again united with her loved ones who have gone before her. She is reunited with her beloved husband, Narciso, and with her sons and grandson, who are waiting for her with open arms. As she joins those who have passed, her family takes comfort in knowing that she is in a place of peace, love, and eternal joy, surrounded by those who have always held a special place in her heart.

A visitation for Consuelo will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78752. A funeral mass will occur Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Sta. Julia Church, 3010 Lyons Rd, Austin, TX 78702. A graveside service will occur Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78704. The family will be hosting a reception immediately after the graveside service at St. Peter's Apostle Church, 4600 E Ben White Blvd, Austin, Tx 78741.