Hortencia Villa passed away on Sunday June 16, 2019, after a valiant battle with several ailments she suffered for the past few years. In the end, she went to be with the Lord surrounded by her brother, sister, and nieces and nephews, and friends as she wanted.
Hortencia was born on December 27, 1951 in Donna, Texas to Silveria and Margarito Villa. She was the youngest daughter in a family of three older siblings, 2 brothers and a sister. Several other siblings died in infancy or youth. She was educated in the Donna public schools and graduated from Donna High School in 1972. She attended Pan American University and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 1976 in English and education. Some years later, she returned to Pan American and earned her master’s degree also in education.
After graduating from the University, she began to teach English in the Donna ISD middle schools. Later she moved to Donna High School, where she continued to teach English for many years and finally retired in 2011. In her later years, Hortencia returned to the Donna schools to work as a substitute teacher. She did this until her illness no longer permitted her to work.
Although she was born into a humble family, with little resources or history of higher education, she showed a strength and determination that drove her to succeed. At the time of her birth, her family were migrant workers and Hortencia was often away for long periods of time that caused her to miss school and struggle to catch up. She often attended schools in other states for brief periods in strange places with students and teachers she little knew. Nonetheless, she worked hard to keep up in school, graduate, and later attend the university. She became the first college graduate in her family. Her hard work and determination also allowed her to succeed as a public-school teacher for some 35 years.
Hortencia was a lifelong resident of Donna or Weslaco, Texas. Even when she was away, she often spoke of her love for the Valley. In her younger years, she became an avid runner and was often seen running down many roads in the mid valley. She competed in and completed several marathons. Hortencia was a lover of good books and great literature and she even wrote a short story or two. She had an active and curious mind, and her intellect was always sharper than she admitted. She will be greatly missed by her loved ones. She is survived by her sister Esperanza Lopez (Alfredo Lopez) of Weslaco, and her brothers Antonio Olvera (Maria A. Olvera) of Grand Prairie, Texas and Eliseo Olvera (Eloisa Olvera) of Mexico City. Her nieces and nephews include Veronica Lopez McGeachy of Houston, Sonia Lopez of Weslaco and Jesse Olvera, Antonio Olvera, Jr., Demetrio Olvera, Rogelio Olvera, Norma Olvera and Gracie Olvera, and their spouses, children and family members. She was preceded in death by her beloved mother Silveria Villa and father Margarito Villa.
Go and rest Dear Hortencia, we all Love you!
