Olivia M. Casarez

Olivia M. Casarez Our beloved Olivia Casarez was called to eternal rest on December 31, 2011, at the age of 80. Her strong will, wisdom, and compassion for others was with her until the very end as she told loved ones and visitors to "be strong" and would shake her finger at those with tears in their eyes, followed by a wink. She died peacefully at Christopher House, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Her family was her strength and her Christian spirit and Catholic faith sustained her, especially toward the end of her journey. She will be missed by many, including her spouse of 58 years, her children, and grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Momo". Though our hearts are heavy during this difficult time as we mourn Olivia's death, each of us has endless, wonderful memories that we will treasure always of our new angel in Heaven who now watches over all of us. Olivia Mendoza was born on November 12, 1931, in Pflugerville, TX and attended schools in both Pflugerville and Austin. Due to her strong love of family, she went to work at an early age but subsequently received her GED which was a testament to her strong belief in education. She worked for the Austin State Hospital as a mental health professional from 1966 to 1989. She met her future husband, Efram R. Casarez, at the Acapulco Café that was family-owned and located in downtown Austin. They were married on October 4, 1953 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Austin. They were blessed with three sons and shared in their many school projects, functions, and sports activities. One of her greatest joys was cooking and she prepared countless "feasts" for her family over the years, especially during the holidays. She was especially known for Momo's rice (Mexican rice), her tacos and homemade salsa, and delicious cakes, and everyone loved sitting down for a breakfast of pancakes, chorizo, and "papas". She also enjoyed sewing and made beautiful Christmas stockings for each grandchild and her great-grandchildren. Her telephone calls to her children and grandchildren will be greatly missed as she loved talking to each, offering her love and guidance, and always wanting to know that each was doing well. On every birthday, she would call to sing Happy Birthday in English and Spanish, in her beautiful voice. Olivia was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church and the Catholic War Veterans' Ladies Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfonso R. and Elvira G. Mendoza, and an infant brother. She is survived by her loving husband, Efram R. Casarez, her sons and their spouses, Efrem and Kathy Casarez, Rudy and Marlene Casarez, and Richard and Rachel Casarez; eight grandchildren (and their spouses), Amanda Casarez, Lauren Cuellar (Derek), Marc Casarez (Lauren), Kimberly Casarez, Kristen Broll (Adam), Ricky Casarez, Ryan Casarez, and Brandon Casarez. She was also blessed with two great-grandsons, Tyler Kraemer-Casarez and Drake Cuellar, and would have two more to be born in 2012. She is also survived by her siblings and their spouses, Minerva Garcia (Delfino), Nina Paniagua, Ray Mendoza (Lupe), Alfonso Mendoza (Rebecca), Mary Ruth Estrada (Maurice), and Gloria Ortegon (Fernando) all of Austin; aunt Estella G. Rodriguez, uncle Jesse Guajardo, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Pallbearers will be her four grandsons, and her two brothers, Ray and Alfonso Mendoza. Honorary pallbearers will be Adam Broll, Derek Cuellar, Greg Kraemer, and Michael Deckard. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, on Thursday, January 5, 2012. The Funeral Mass of Celebration will be held on Friday, January 6, 2012, at St. Louis Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m., with Father Larry Covington officiating, followed by interment at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North IH-35, in Pflugerville, TX. The family would like to thank the doctors who cared for Olivia including Dr. William Rawlinson, Dr. Christoph Parker, and Dr. Humberto Maldonado. Special thanks to the hospital staff at Seton Medical Center, to Hospice Austin and the dedicated staff of Christopher House, in particular Eddie, for the kindness shown to Olivia in her final days, and to family and friends for their love, support and prayers. "Here I stand, knocking at the door. If anyone hears me calling and opens the door, I will enter His house." The door was opened - may she rest in peace.