Violeta Martinez Garcia Macaluso

She was born in Houston, Texas on August 20, 1924 to Amado and Jacinta Martinez. She was raised and spent her life in the Houston area.

Violeta met her husband, Lupe Garcia, when he returned home after World War II and visited his sister, Pauline Flores who lived next door to her. Their story began there, they soon married, and together they built a family with their four children.

Violeta was a deeply spiritual, kind and strong-willed woman. She worked hard throughout her life and did her best to never impose on others. She was outgoing and friendly, with a smile for all. She never met a stranger and would up strike up a conversation with anyone who obliged.

She read her devotional nightly and attended church faithfully, most recently at Discovery Villages service, until she returned to the Lord. Growing up, she attended the San Pablo Presbyterian Church. She would marry Lupe at San Pablo and later bring their young family to worship there. During the children’s middle years, the family attended The Presbyterian Church of The Covenant at Park Place. After her children were grown, she worshipped at St. Steven’s Presbyterian Church in South Houston. In later years, she joined the First Baptist Church of Friendswood, where her children would join her on the back pew among her friends.

Each of her grandchildren learned to make flour tortillas in her kitchen. After a visit, you would go home with oatmeal raisin cookies to share with others.

Her spirit and unwavering faith helped her live nearly 101 years. We are grateful she remained sharp, alert, and full of love until her passing.

We thank all the family and friends who visited her over the years – at her home, during her birthday celebrations and most recently, when she was unwell. Your presence brought her joy and comfort.

We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to Violeta’s many friends and the dedicated staff at Discovery Village. Their kindness, care and companionship meant so much to her – and to us.

She was preceded in death by her parents Amada and Jacinta, her brother Alfred Martinez, the father of her children Lupe O Garcia of Gonzales, Texas and her husband, Phillip Macaluso of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Violeta is survived by her children Tommy Garcia and wife Karen, Randy Garcia and wife Dr. Gwyn Richardson, Robert Garcia and wife Linda, and Marlene (Garcia) Manchaca and husband Joe. She is survived by her grandchildren: Michelle Hargraves, Dustin Sulak, Christopher Flores, Ryan Garcia, Reese Garcia, Jonathan Garcia and Creighton Garcia as well as great-grandchildren: Colby Hargraves and Amelie Flores. She also leaves behind many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Pallbearers: Tommy Garcia, Randy Garcia, Robert Garcia, Jonathan Garcia, Reese Garcia and Creighton Garcia.

Honorary Pallbearers: The Lupe Garcia Sr Family, the Martinez Family, the Torres Family and the Casas Family.

May she rest in eternal peace in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of Greater Houston.