Dora Guerra

Dora Guerra was born to Mr. Mrs Guerra on December 3, 1926 in Pleasanton, TX. The family moved to Houston on Canal street when Dora was small where the 8 children were raised. She met Joe Guerra at Al’s Photo Service and agreed to go to a movie with him several months later. Joe attempted to hold Dora’s hand during the movie in which Dora quickly excused herself to the ladies room. She never returned but that didn’t discourage Joe. They married about a year after meeting on November 23, 1952 in Houston which is where they began their family. Dora is survived by her husband Joe Guerra, her daughter Lydia married to Chris Lewis, her daughter Margaret married to Emmanuel Petion, her son Joe married to Naomi, her son Michael, her daughter Debra married to Vincent Thompson, and her daughter Dianna. Dora is survived by 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Emma Serna.

One of Dora’s greatest assets was her love and compassion for children. We always had additional children at the house. Our absolute dearest is Sonya Castro. She began living with us when she was 6 months old and stayed with us for numerous years. Thanks to Dora, Sonya has been in our life ever since. Dora was a voice for the voiceless. I remember cringing when we were at the grocery store and my mom would give complete strangers advice about their children. Dora also controlled our cul de sac. She would stop cars when they drove too fast on our side of the street. She would wave the car down and say “You are driving too fast, and we have children on this street.” Our street did not need a sign stating drive slow children at play. We had Dora.

Dora was extremely involved in her church, St. John’s Catholic Church. She would assist with all activities but especially the bazaars.

She loved dancing, eating ice cream, socializing and had many friends. These characteristics are proudly shared by her children.

Dora was always a strong woman and protected her family better than an angered grizzly bear. She loved her family but especially her grandchildren. Her face would light up when a grandchild entered the room. As Dora’s children moved out, the bedrooms were converted to a nursery room, a toddler room and a regular bedroom. The groceries also consisted of the grandchildren’s favorite foods.

Dora was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 1999. She with the support of her family began a courageous fight that lasted longer than the vast majority of Alzheimer cases. She eventually moved to Regent Care where her husband visited her daily and fed her. On Friday, August 29, we were blessed with a miracle. Our mom had not been very verbal for about 2 years but on that evening, she called each of us by name and told us she loved us. We had our mom with us that evening. It was beautiful. She was moved to the hospice section of Regent Care on August 30, and Dora was surrounded by her family 24 hours a day. She passed away very peacefully on Tuesday, September 16. Although we mourn the loss of Dora, mother, wife, grandmother, friend we rejoice in her joining our brothers, James and Joe, in eternal life in heaven.