Aida "Ida" Ballí Arechiga

November 11, 1935 – November 7, 2012

We are sad to report the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Aida “ Ida” Maria Balli Arechiga. After a long battle with ilness, our heavenly father mercifully granted her rest. We know that she was not ready to leave us but is happy to join those she has loved so deeply in heaven. Ida is preceeded in death by her beloved husband, Albert ‘Al’ Arechiga Jr., her parents, Maria and Macedonio Balli, and her siblings, Lamberto Balli, Macedonio Balli Jr., and Amelia B. Rodriguez.

She is survived by her children and “in-law” children, Audrey Arechiga-Kajs and John Kajs of Austin, Alice Arechiga Wimberly and Dave S. Wimberly of Tomball, and Albert and Patti Hart Arechiga, of Houston. In addition, will be remembered by her grandchildren, whom she loved without limit, John-Albert Arechiga, Aida Kajs, Madison Arechiga, and Anna Kajs. They will always hold dear their beloved ‘Maw-Maw.’ She will also be missed by her “daughter by association” Pat Elena Campbell, her husband Dennis Tange and her sister in-law Estella Balli. There are many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends she is leaving behind who will cherish her memory as well.

Ida was born in Pharr, Texas and graduated from San Benito High School in 1955. She married Albert in 1959 and moved to the Dallas area after the birth of Audrey and Alice. They happily welcomed Albert III soon after. In 1972, she and the family moved to the Houston area where she lived until very recently. Ida was known as a vivacious and loving woman who met everyone at the door with a hug and always had a great meal at the ready. Ida was active in every volunteer aspect of raising her children and gave of herself both for them and other children in the group. Her passion and love of people made her a strong advocate of those with no voice.

Ida was a devout and faithful woman. Over the years, she was a volunteer with many parishes, most notably St. Piux X of Mesquite, Texas and St. Catherine of Siena Parish of Houston, Texas. She was a regular fixture at every extracurricular activity her children attended. In particular, Dean Jr. High and Jersey Village High School and CFISD Community held a special place in her heart. Ida worked tirelessly in every endeavor and made sure her children graduated from College. She was a caregiver to many over the years. Her love and care for them was genuine and profound.

Words cannot express our gratitude to the doctors who treated our mother over the last few years. In particular, we wish to thank Drs. Micheal Di Teresa, Maged Amine, Rajeswhar Abrol, Richard Brown, Gurdeep Senthi and Micheal Duncan. We also thank the nurses of St. Luke’s Vinatge and Medical Center Hospital and Hermann Memorial Hospital Downtown. You treated her with hope, dignity and love and we are forever in your debt.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 11th, 5-7 p.m. and a Rosary will follow at 7 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the next day, November 12th at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 10688 Shadow Wood in Houston, Texas. Interment will immediately follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetary.