Baldermina courageously battled White Matter disease for fourteen years. She faced her illness with unwavering faith, quiet strength, and remarkable grace. A devoted Catholic whose trust in God never faltered, she lived her life as a testimony to love, perseverance, and deep spiritual conviction.
A strong mother, devoted wife, loving grandmother, and proud great-grandmother, Baldermina’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind her loving husband, her four strong daughters, her cherished grandchildren, and her precious great-grandchildren, each of whom carries forward her legacy of faith, compassion, forgiveness, humor, and unconditional love.
Baldermina found beauty and purpose in the simple, meaningful things of life. She loved gardening and tending to her plants with patience and care. She was an avid reader, a talented and certified seamstress, and a gifted homemaker who expressed her love through the clothes she stitched and the meals she prepared. Prayer was the foundation of her daily life, as she remained an active and faithful member of Our Lady of Good Counsel. As one of the founders of the parish Ladies Club, she helped create a community of fellowship and service.
She enjoyed listening to Mother Angelica on EWTN, drawing strength and inspiration from her words. She also kept up with current events and enjoyed listening to Rush Limbaugh on the radio. Yet, above all else, she treasured time spent surrounded by her family — sharing stories, laughter, meals, and prayers.
Her professional life reflected her dedication and work ethic. She was a certified seamstress, worked as a medical assistant for Dr. Fernando Deleon, and faithfully served in the sterilizing department at Brownsville Medical Center/Valley Baptist. In every role, she was known for her diligence, kindness, and integrity.
Baldermina’s life was defined not only by what she did, but by how she loved. She fed people generously, forgave freely, laughed loudly, and sang joyfully — even if she was off-key. She taught by example that love is an action, kindness is a choice, and faith is a daily commitment.
If we carry anything forward from her life, let it be this: act in love, be kind, feed people, forgive freely, laugh loudly, sing without hesitation, and trust that God always has a way forward.
Though she will be deeply missed, her light continues to shine in the lives she touched and in the faith she so beautifully lived.
Baldermina is survived by her husband, Jose Luis Ruiz; her daughters, Maria Luisa Ruiz Guerrero, Veronica Ruiz Arizmendi, Lucila Tienda, and Josefa “Josie” Ruiz Chavez; her grandchildren, Rolando Javier Ruiz Jr., Mary Elizabeth Martinez, Samantha Moses, Zanoni Nikole Flores, Amaris Violet Arizmendi, Devon Michael Tienda, Nathan Ryan Tienda, Jacob Nicolas Chavez, and Julianna Natasha Chavez; and her great-grandchildren, Skyler Orion Ruiz, Payton Zoey Ruiz, Lea Madison Martinez, Carter James Martinez, Briseis Marie Martinez, Aidden Alejandro Moses, Myah Amber Moses, and Elijah Duke Moses. She is also survived by her sister, Francisca Norahilda Rivas Vela. She also leaves behind 13 half-brothers and sisters.
Baldermina was preceded in death by her father, Domingo Rivas Chavez †; her mother, Maria Luisa Vela Flores †; and her sister, Sylvia Enedina Garcia Rivera †.
Visitation will be held on March 5, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a rosary at 7:00 pm in Chapel of Peace, Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, Chapel of Peace, 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521, US.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on March 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 1055 Military Rd, Brownsville, TX 78520.
