Bertha Vera

Daughter to Nicanor and Cresencia Tapia de Alcaraz, Bertha was born on November 13, 1930 in Panindícuaro, Mexico. Raised on a ranch, Bertha fondly recalled waking up at dawn to milk the cows for a fresh drink of milk and cracking open a warm egg to eat first thing in the morning. Even in her youth, Bertha was fearless and full of life—jumping onto horses to help herd cattle, and learning to shoot a .22 rifle to help her father hunt for their family.

At 18, Bertha left her home in Mexico to marry the love of her life, the late Juan N. Vera, in February 1948 in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Shortly after, the couple settled in San Antonio, Texas where they built both a family and a legacy. Known for their deep generosity and faith, Bertha and Juan became godparents to over 30 children—so many that they eventually had to turn down more requests due to their advancing age.

Over time, Bertha became a motherly figure in the West Side community-welcoming people from all walks of life into her home for a meal or a place to stay, always ready to lend a listening ear. She insisted that everyone was welcome in her home, and hosted her entire family each weekend for a home-cooked meal that always included homemade tortillas, her famous iced tea, and her signature lemonade. It was never uncommon for her children or grandchildren to come home and find a family friend—or even a stranger—sitting at the dining room table enjoying a bowl of rice and beans while Bertha offered her consejos.

When she wasn’t cooking, watching the Spurs, or gardening, Bertha could often be found crocheting or tending to her rainbow of birds. Sitting in her rocking chair or recliner, she crocheted blankets for every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild, gifting each a piece of herself while she still could.

Bertha is preceded in death by seven siblings, with whom she is now reunited in heaven. She is survived by one brother—Esiquio Alcaraz; her six children—Hilda Davis, Norma Garza, Olga Mendoza, Lilia Carrillo, Elsa Alderete, and Juan Vera; fifteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate doctors, nurses, and staff of VITAS Healthcare for their dedicated care and support during Bertha’s final weeks.

Bertha was a force to be reckoned with. She was kind, modest, and pious, but also boisterous, ready to crack a joke, and always willing to help anyone at any given moment.

As the matriarch of the Vera family, she left behind a legacy of strength, warmth, and unwavering love.

We will forever carry her laugh, her smile, and her spirit in our hearts.

As she would say, adelante.

Until we meet again.

Con mucho amor,

The Vera Family