Otilia Gallarzo Gomez

Otilia was born to Maria de la Luz Gallarzo and Jesus Gomez on April 26, 1938, in Bagres, Tepehuanes, Durango, Mexico. She was an only child and became motherless at the tender age of one. Otilia was raised by her maternal grandparents, as well as her aunts and uncles who loved her dearly.

At a young age, Otilia married and immediately started a family of her own. She gave birth to six children, Maria Luisa, Ruben, Rosa Maria, Luz Maria, Flavio, and Armando. While her children were still very young, Otilia moved her family to the United States to give them more opportunities and a better life. These selfless acts of an incredibly strong single mother defined her life and were some of her greatest accomplishments. Ultimately, her greatest accomplishment ended up being to help raise her grandchildren and watch them become amazing young people.

Those who had the pleasure of knowing Otilia, either as a friend, mother or “abuelita”, will always cherish the memories of Otilia knitting her grandchildren beautiful dresses and blankets, which have become family heirlooms that have been handed down to new generations. We will also miss her culinary creations, especially her famous chilaquiles and tamales that conveyed the love she put into making them in every bite! Most of all, we will miss Otilia’s favorite hobbies that brought her so much joy such as always keeping her house full of flowers, her endless care of her plants, the experience of childlike joy she had while watching her favorite movies with Antonio Aguilar and listening to his songs, and trips to the casinos.

It is said that a life well lived represents a life that was filled with happiness, achievement and accomplishment. Otilia’s beautiful smile brought joy and happiness to so many people throughout her life. Her dedication to her children and grandchildren left a legacy of love and achievement that will be shared with so many generations of her family. Lastly, her accomplishment of successfully traveling to a new country to begin a new life resulted in her children and grandchildren becoming doctors, educators, law enforcement professionals, and successful persons in business. Otilia Gallarzo truly embodies a life well lived!

Now that you are at the side of your creator and reunited with Flavio and Ruben, may you find everlasting peace. May you always know and feel how much you were loved, and how much you will be truly missed!

Your loving family,

The Garcia’s, Gomez’s, Gallarzo’s, Amezcua’s, Hernandez’s, and Mendez’s