Olivia Delgado Plata

Olivia was born on a farm in Dilley, Texas in 1927. Happily raised as the youngest of her 8 siblings, she remembered riding on the large cotton filled sacks as her brothers playfully dragged them through the fields. As a toddler, her life of following the crops was always fun and we're sure she gave her family the same joy.

Mrs. Plata and her late husband, Frank were married 57 years and raised their three children in San Antonio. They are Andy Plata (Julie); Della Andretti (David); Phil Plata (Karen). Grandchildren are Vince Martinez (Michelle), Michael O'Hara, Tony Plata (Elizabeth), Scott O'Hara (Carly), Jaye Lynne Rooney (Mark - and their children Sylvia and Alan), Kim Bower (Gary – and their children Shelby, Mackenzy, Layne) and Chris Andretti. Her sister, Lupe, survives her.

They enjoyed entertaining in their home which was designed for dancing and fun. Always ready to start up the Juke Box and pass out the refreshments that family and friends. Neighborhood kids always gathered at her house as she made sure there was plenty of entertainment (and food) available. As adults, her children still hear stories from their friends as to how much fun they used to have in their home. Never one to leave her children alone, she worked only when they were in school, often having to quit for summer breaks. She was always rehired – guess they knew when they had a good employee. She was as enthusiastic about raising her children as she was about life.

Two of her jobs were at Joske's and W.T. Grant's where she'd joke that her paycheck seldom covered her purchases.

She most enjoyed her 19 year career as a kindergarten teacher's aide at James Madison Elementary School which began when her youngest entered grade school and her volunteering led the principal to hire her. She dearly loved the kids and they dearly loved her as evidenced by their heartfelt notes and hugs. While there, the principal encouraged her love of art. She was self-taught in paper mache and clay sculpting.

An excellent seamstress, her biggest projects were her daughter's elaborate wedding dress and a suit for her son. It's evident to those that knew Olivia that she was exuberant about fulfilling her most important mission – making other people feel good about themselves and happy with their present circumstances.

Per Olivia's wishes her body has been donated to science. The family would like to thank the staff at Stone Oak Care Center for their kind and loving care. In lieu of a memorial service donations are requested to the Family Council at Stone Oak Care Center, 505 Madison Oak Dr., San Antonio TX 78258-1415.

We will miss her loving touch, unconditional love, encouragement and smiling face. Oh yes, and Olivia was a darn good domino player to the very end.

The world is now short one beautiful soul.

The sun may have set for me

but my soul is now free

It's the Lord's face I'll see

Take comfort in knowing

I enjoyed being me.