Hortencia Arredondo

Hortencia Gutierrez Arredondo was born in San Antonio, Texas on December 19, 1943 to Crecencia Gutierrez Arredondo and Rodolfo Delgado Arredondo who have preceded her in death. Her brothers, Hector Ausencio Arredondo, Rudy Carmona Arredondo, and Juan Hector Arredondo also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her son Jesus Miguel “Mike” Arredondo (Cecilia Patricia Arredondo) and grandson Paul Michael Arredondo. She is also survived by her sisters: Elida Arredondo Troutman; Irma Arredondo Lara; Sr. JoMarie Arredondo, SHF, and Mary Norrine Arredondo Flores. Additionally, she is survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and her dearest friends: Ruth, Kevin and Grace. Hortencia graduated from Blessed Sacrament Catholic High School, San Antonio, and received both a Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Accounting from Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, Texas. Immediately following her graduation from OLLU she worked for The Texas Comptroller’s Office as a tax auditor and found her passion in education teaching for 26 years in Houston ISD.

Hortencia was always reflecting on life, scripture, and the Church’s teachings in order to deepen what she had been taught. She was always optimistic even in the midst of pain and suffering. She was very outgoing, welcoming, and made friends easily. She was adventurous and courageous which was evident when she left San Antonio for Houston for new beginnings for herself and her son.

She had a wonderful sense of humor and a creative imagination. We were recipients of these gifts as were the children she taught in her school classes. She felt called to minister to those she met. She felt she had a healing power given to her by God and the responsibility to use it. She often prayed deeply for healing of the suffering she saw in others.

She will be missed and yet her words, and her caring remain with us for she continues to live in our hearts and memories. We are grateful for her life and her many gifts as they remain an influence in our daily lives.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 could be a good reading to describe Hortencia’s life.

Hortencia provided comfort at times of sorrow or loss in peoples lives; guidance and direction when friends and family looked for answers she also provided a strong, firm voice even when it didn’t want to be heard, one always knew her words were coming from a place of faith and love of God.

Her friendships were filled with hilarity and love for everyone that came into her life. But her favorite celebration was Good Friday. She said she wanted to devote this celebration to Jesus and invite everyone to join in too. Thus began her famous Crawfish Boil/Fish Fry on Good Friday, many years ago and her friends have continued the practice. Elie Wiesel said friendship marks a life even more deeply than love; Ms. A. leaves an unforgettable profound mark in ours. We love you and will miss you always.

Divine Spirit of Truth and Love

I consecrate my mind, heart and will to you today.

Open my mind to your divine inspirations.

Fill my heart with love of God and my neighbor and help me

to live a life in faithful imitation of Jesus, to whom, in union with

you and the Father, be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Arrangements under the direction of Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services, Houston, TX.