Hermalinda M Villanueva

She was born in Limon, Jalisco (Mexico) where she lived until she experienced the loss of her father in 1941. In 1943, her family moved to Mexico City, where she lived until she met and married the love of her life, Jose Roberto Villanueva, in 1960. They came to the United States seeking better opportunities for themselves and their future family. They settled in Austin, Texas in 1961. They forged a life together that produced three daughters Julia (Judy), Erika, and Thelma and a lifetime of memories and lessons that will sustain their families for generations to come. With the birth of her daughters, her life’s mission became crystal clear. She dedicated her life to ensuring that her three gifts from God would be nurtured, cared for, and would never doubt they were loved. She created a life for them forged by faith, sustained by prayer, and always protected by her oraciones.

If you ever had the good fortune of crossing Mami’s path, you immediately understood selflessness, acceptance, and unconditional love. She lived her life with the understanding that family had no boundaries and was not predefined by blood. She treated everyone the same, which means she gave you all she had, and then some.

Whether it was making the house available to anyone who needed a place to stay, teaching everyone in the neighborhood how to drive, sharing her recipes of “ahí le tanteas”, cooking endless meals for every occasion, crafting anything imaginable, and always making herself available to listen and provide sage advice - she was just always there and ready to provide a helping hand.

Her faith was unwavering. Whether you called to give her the best news or share a difficult situation you were facing, her response was always the same, “Que Dios te de la Gloria”.

Our biggest challenge, as her family, will be to learn how to navigate life without our north star.

She was preceded in death by her eldest daughter, Judy; her sisters Adela and Margarita; and her loving parents: Aurelio Rodriguez, Pablo Marquez, Julia Marquez. She credited her stepfather, Pablo Marquez, with teaching her unconditional love. Lessons that she shared and carried with her throughout her lifetime.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Jose Roberto, two daughters, Erika and Thelma, 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, numerous Godchildren, her faithful pooch Kami, and endless people that loved and respected her.

We ended every night with “que sueñes con los Angelitos”. The family now takes solace in knowing that she is now amongst them.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, March 12 from 4:00 pm -8:00 pm at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35 Pflugerville, Texas 78660. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm.

A mass will be held on Friday, March 13 at 10:30 am at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church, located at 126 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704

Light lunch will be served following the mass at Primera Iglesia Bautista located at 2100 E. Ben White Blvd. Austin, TX 78741 from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm