Catalina was born on February 13, 1939 in Crystal City, Texas to Benigna Hernandez and Sabas Aldava. She was the youngest of four children born to Benigna Aldava.
Catalina was a graduate of Crystal City High School where she and her future husband and love of her life, Dionicio Avila, attended. They were married on February 28, 1965 in Crystal City, Texas. Together, they raised three children: Dennis, Sabas, and Carmen. After the children were school-aged, Catalina worked as a Teacher's Assistant for special needs children for 19 years. She retired from Judson ISD in 1995.
Catalina was lovingly known as "Cata" to her family and childhood friends and as "Katy" to her co-workers and friends. She was known most for her infectious laugh, genuine smile, and warm hugs. She was the loving, compassionate matriarch to her immediate and extended family. She always provided sage advice or just a kind ear for those who needed to share. She was a social butterfly who loved to spend time visiting with family, friends, and acquaintances. To her, a stranger was only a friend that she had not yet met.
Catalina is survived by her husband, Dionicio Avila, and three children, Dionicio (Dennis) Avila, Jr. and wife Christine; Sabas Avila and wife Betsy; and Carmen Hernandez. She leaves behind eight grandchildren Alex, Ashley, Josi, Lorenzo, Federico, Emily, Amber, and Justin. She also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Lena and Jeremiah.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Benigna and Sabas Aldava, brothers Rudolfo and Francisco Meza, and sister, Elena Meza.
Family and friends whose lives Catalina touched are invited to a Viewing and Vigil at Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk Rd, Universal City, TX 78148 from 4-8 P.M. on Thursday, June 11, 2020.
Family and friends are also invited to the funeral mass at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 2829 Ackerman Rd, Kirby, TX 78219 at 10 A.M on Friday, June 12, 2020.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com.
