The kind, courageous, and gentle soul of Apolonia was lifted to Heaven on June 8, 2021 in Austin, Texas at the age of 89. Apolonia was a devoted and loving wife to Jerome Sergi for 52 years, at the time of his death in 2012. Apolonia is survived by two siblings, Triny Jackson and Elias Carrasco; children Annamaria Sergi, Natalie Elizondo, Mark Sergi, and Steven Sergi; grandchildren Dillon Berkman, Matthew Saari, Samuel Saari, Elena Saari, Gabriela Sergi, Roman Sergi, Macie Sergi, Isabella Sergi, and Sophia Sergi; and great grandchildren Preston Berkman, Jaxon Berkman, Abigail Berkman, and Ahron Berkman.
Born and reared in rural west Texas, the 11th child (of 12) of Apolonia and Teofilo Carrasco, she excelled in academics. She was valedictorian of Presidio High School, graduated from Texas State College for Women (now TWU) in Denton in 1955, and completed her Master of Science in Social Work from UT-Austin in 1986. Her Social Work career included 20 years with Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home in El Paso, where she loved, cried for, and cheered on all the children in her care.
Apolonia achieved Master Gardener certification in El Paso, her home for 57 years. Gardening was her connection to God; inspiring the lesson that we must nurture and tend it, in order for it to thrive. She taught by example, that prayer, compassion, understanding, respect, forgiveness, and humility weren’t just words, but a path to salvation. She personified dignity and grace.
Our family is grateful for the kindness, love, and care given to Apolonia during her last eight years in Austin, through her journey with dementia. Among these are the staff of AGE of Central Texas, Seton Neurology, Autumn Leaves, Tran’s Senior Oasis, and Tranquility Hospice. Please consider a gift to dementia research, in lieu of flowers.
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