Oralia Gonzales Tamez

Oralia Gonzales Tamez, 85, of Elgin Tx passed away April 6, 2019 in her home surrounded by her family.

Oralia was born on October 29, 1933 to Antonio and Nasaria Gonzales  and the youngest of seven children.  She is preceded in death by her husband Maximilano Tamez, her parents Antonio and Nasaria Gonzales, her daughter Rosemary Torres, her sisters Irene Wise, Isidria Gonzales, Mary Baltazar, Amelia Marquez, Lupe Rodriguez, brother Manuel Gonzales, granddaughters Lisa Flores and Elizabeth Herrera.  She is survived by her sister-in-law Maria Ortiz, daughters Janie Flores, Oralia Navejas, sons Maximilano Tamez Jr., Guadelupe Tamez, Primativo Tamez, Antonio Tamez, Jaime Tamez, 22 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren and 31 great-great grandchildren.

As the youngest of seven children Oralia learned early in life how to be a care taker as she cared for her mother who suffered from glaucoma.  Oralia married Maximilano on June 16, 1947 and they immediately started a family.  As the mother of 8 children Oralia showed nothing short of true love and affinity for the overall welfare and care of her family.  For 45 years, Oralia made breakfast, lunch and dinner for her husband everyday without complaint.  She enjoyed caring for him, her family and everyone else.  Oralia continued to care for others as time went by, it appeared to be her calling.  As the children got older, she took a job opportunity to care of people where she worked at Austin State School.  She cared for each and every patient as if they were her own.  She did not shy away from her work or responsibilities just as she never had, she possessed unwavering kindness and generosity to everyone she came in contact with.  Often times you hear the old adage “the door is always open” but Oralia lead by this example.  She was a God fearing woman, she knew her God very well and was a blessing to all of us.  Oralia did not judge anyone and always listened but more importantly when asked for her opinion she responded in such a manner to incite the thought process not to discourage or berate us, she loved all of us unconditionally.  She was a great mother, nurturer, mentor and true inspiration to us all.  May she rest in peace…

A poem for our beloved Mother, Grandmother and Friend:

When tomorrow starts without me

When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand.

That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand;

The angel said my place was ready, in Heaven far above, and that

I’d have to leave behind all that I dearly love.  But when I walked

Through Heaven’s Gates, I felt so much at home, for God looked

Down, smiled at me and told me “Welcome Home.” So when

Tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every

Time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.  ~ David Romano

The Rosary will be held at Providence Jones Family Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 9 ^th at 7pm.  Viewing will be held from 6pm to 8pm.

Funeral Services will take place Wednesday, April 10 ^th at 10am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church followed by a gathering at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall with burial following at the Elgin Latin Cemetery