Our mother, Jovita Alaniz Palacios, completed her life journey, Monday, March 18, 2018 at the age of 95 in San Antonio, TX. She was born on January 10, 1923 to Francisco and Teodora (Canales) Alaniz in Benavides, TX. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of thirty years, Leandro Palacios, Jr., her parents, and five siblings: Gladicia, Juan Manuel, Josefina, Estela, Teodora (Dora), and four nephews, Paul G. Alaniz, Ricky Vera, George Gonzales, and Olivero Vera. She is survived by her four children: Vilma Vavrusa (James “Bo”) of Sheridan, TX; Marvin Palacios (Pat) of San Antonio, TX; Evelyn Harris (Eddie) of San Antonio, TX; Sandra Palacios of Kingsville, TX, and her younger brother, Paul G. Alaniz, Sr. She had 17 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild due in September, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mom received her high school diploma from Benavides High School in 1941 and was very proud to be a Benavides Eagle. In her lifetime, she missed only 1 class reunion, attending her 75th and final one in 2016. After graduation, she was employed as a store clerk by local merchants, and later became a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (now AT&T). As a wife and mother, she was thoroughly involved in her children’s elementary school activities, and enjoyed making costumes for our school programs. Mom was an active member of the Catholic Church. She taught religion (CCD) classes numerous years. After she became a widow in 1983, she spent much time in Corpus Christi, where all her siblings lived, and she became a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas-Bishop Mariano S. Garriga Court #1935, St. Cyril and Methodius Church, Corpus Christi, TX. Her hobbies included crocheting, listening to music, dancing, and completing crossword puzzles. In 2005, she decided to move to San Antonio, TX, where she resided until her earthly life expired to join our Father in heaven.
Visitation at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX will begin on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 6:00pm, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00pm. Funeral service will take place at 9:30am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 4411 Moana Drive, San Antonio, TX. 78218. Burial will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX.
