Bertha A Villa

Bertha Alicia Villa, our beloved sister and aunt, passed away peacefully, October 5, 2011, in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by her brother, sisters, nephews and nieces. A lifelong resident of El Paso, she spent the last few months of her life with loved ones in Dallas, where she received memory healthcare. She was a graduate of Jefferson High School and the University of Texas at El Paso, and received her Master's in Education at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Bertha retired as a grade school teacher from El Paso Independent School District. She took great pride in her profession, adored her students and, incredibly, never missed a single day of work in her 32 years of service. A devout Catholic, Bertha was an active member of St Anthony's Seminary and taught catechism at St Pius X Church for many years.

She will always be remembered by her nephews and nieces for her dedication, loyalty, and support. Her siblings, relatives, and friends will never forget her unbounded generosity and exuberant enthusiasm in lending a helping hand at a moment’s notice and her charitableness toward the homeless and underprivileged in El Paso and Juarez, Mexico. Though her family was always her first priority, she took great pleasure in staying fit and in traveling to many parts of the world.

Preceded in death by parents, Jose and Elvira Villa, brothers, George and Joe Jr., and brother-in-law, David, she is survived by her sisters, Dolores "Darling," Velia, and Vera, brother Eddie, sister-in-law, Lupe, and a host of nephews, nieces, and relatives. "Aunt Bertie," we love you and will never forget you. "OH BROTHER RAT!"

Visitation: Sunday, Oct. 9, 5-9 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home, 3839 Montana, followed by a rosary service at 7 p.m. Funeral mass: Monday, Oct. 10, at 9:30 a.m., at Guardian Angel Church, 3021 Frutas, followed by internment at Mount Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bertha’s name to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. of El Paso, 4400 North Mesa, El Paso, TX 79902.