Maria A Olvera

Maria Alicia Olvera passed from this earthly life in the early morning hours of September 21, 2015, surrounded by her husband and children as she wanted to be. Our dear wife, mother, grandmother and friend passed into the arms of our Lord after battling several chronic illnesses which affected her physical powers and strength, but never diminished her faith in God, her love for her family, and her optimism and joy.

She is survived by her husband of over 53 years, Antonio M. Olvera, Sr., her sons and daughters, Alfonso Almanza, Anita Demarest, Jesse Olvera, Antonio Olvera, Jr., Demetrio J. Olvera, Rogelio Olvera, Norma Olvera and Graciela Olvera. She is also survived by her sisters Hermelinda Sierra, and Consuelo Maldonado and one remaining brother, Francisco Maldonado as well sister in laws Esperanza Lopez and Hortencia Villa, other in-laws, as well as numerous nieces and nephews living in many places mostly in Texas and Florida and Mexico.

Maria was born on April 27, 1940 in the small south Texas town of San Perlita, Texas. She was orphaned of her mother before she was 5 years old, and left to be raised without a biological parent when her father abandoned her and her twin sister. She was raised by her dear aunt “Aurora” whom she loved so much and always called her dear “Mama”. Her early life was one of few advantages, and she had little formal education completing only a few years of elementary school in northern Mexico. She moved from her mother’s home at approximately 15, deciding to strike out on her own and try to make a living to help herself and her dear mother, who had several other children to raise in difficult circumstances.

Maria began life on her own in the Rio Grande Valley, living at different times in different towns. At various times she worked as a maid and child caregiver for various families in Brownsville, Pharr and Edinburg, Texas. At one time she worked in the homes of several prominent families from South, Texas, including working for the wife and family of the late Senator Raul Longoria, a well know legislator, Senator and Judge from South, Texas. She met and married her beloved husband, Antonio M. Olvera, in Pharr, Texas in 1962 and they remained inseparable until the date of her death. Her greatest happiness was found in knowing that her children and family were well, that they loved and supported each other, and that they each knew the Lord.

Her passing has left us with a huge void, sense of loss and profound sadness. We are comforted with the knowledge that she is in a better place, and that she always tried to share the love and kindness of our Lord with everyone she met who suffered or was in need.