Hilda Noriega

Hilda Caballeros Noriega, May 11, 1935 - September 12, 2025. After a long battle against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, Hilda Caballeros Noriega of Houston, Texas, returned to be with our Lord on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2025.

Hilda and her twin brother, Carlos, were born on May 11, 1935, to Osberto and Emilia Lemus Caballeros in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Besides being a loving daughter and sister, she was an exceptional student, excelling in school and eventually earning an accounting degree. Hilda began working at local banks, not only rising through the ranks because of her keen intellect and hard work ethic, but also being chosen to represent the banks in local beauty pageants because of her movie star-like beauty. She was eventually chosen to go to the United States to learn English and further her studies to continue advancing her career.

It was in Los Angeles, California, in 1961, that Hilda eventually met the love of her life, Rogelio Delgado Noriega. He describes meeting Hilda as love at first sight and the two were inseparable for more than 64 years after their first date to watch Ben-Hur on the big screen. The couple married on August 19, 1961 and eventually had four children.

Hilda was a devout Catholic whose faith in God was paramount. She prayed the rosary almost daily and once wore down a finger rosary ring to a nub. She was a prayer warrior before the term was coined and was known for praying for others, and her family often relied on her prayers for positive results and healing comfort in their lives.

Her partnership with Rogelio extended beyond their home as the two successfully launched Semanario El Mexica Newspaper in Houston, Texas, on Dec. 12, 1974, Houston’s first Spanish-language newspaper. Hilda served as editor for the publication for its entire 30-year history. She used her platform to inform, educate and lift the publication’s readers. Hilda strove to include as much health care information in the paper about subjects not well known in the Hispanic community, such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. On more than one occasion, a grateful reader would contact her to thank her for information that saved their lives.

Hilda was a wonderful mother to her four children, Sandra Ivonne Noriega, MD, Jaime Luynes Noriega, PhD, Erik Noriega and Xochilt Karina Noriega. Her love and dedication shaped the lives of her family. She balanced long work hours with her responsibilities at home, always ensuring her children felt supported and cared for. Her unwavering concern for her children’s well-being and happiness was a testament to her nurturing spirit, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts that we will cherish forever.

In her later years, Hilda continued to enjoy Rogelio’s company as the couple traveled all over the world, having the opportunity to see Pope John Paul II in person as well as visit a number of other holy sites and historic landmarks in Europe and the Middle East.

Hilda is survived by her husband, Rogelio, her daughters Sandra and Karina (Juan Olguin), and her sons Jaime (Sonia) and Erik (Stephanie). She is also survived by grandchildren Malori Noriega, Lucas Dwyer, Julia Noriega, Ariel Noriega, Andrea Dwyer, Erik Noriega and Christian Olguin, great grandchildren Liam, Brisa and Jaime and various nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, Osberto, mother, Emilia, sister, Olga, and brother, Carlos.

A visitation for Hilda will be held on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Crespo, 2516 Navigation Blvd., Houston, TX 77003. A rosary service will occur that evening at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 2405 Navigation Blvd., Houston, TX 77003. Committal Service will take place at 12, noon, after Mass, at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale St., Houston, TX 77023.