Sulema Almendarez

Sulema Almendarez, lovingly known as Sulie, a woman of unwavering faith and

boundless love, was called to her heavenly home on February 20, 2026. Born on

September 29, 1937, in the quiet town of Runge, Texas, she grew to embody the

kindness and devotion that would define her life. A testament to love, faith, and family,

she was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her steadfast

Christian faith was the cornerstone of her journey, guiding her steps and nurturing her

spirit throughout her 88 years.

A proud graduate and member of the National Honor Society at Harlandale High

School, Sulema's passion for education was a flame that never dimmed. During high

school she worked at McCrory's Five & Dime Store. Later employed as a bookkeeper

for Segal's department store which she loved organizing, ordering, and balancing

ledgers.

Sulema's life was a testament to the power of love. She was a cherished wife to her

beloved husband, Augustine Almendarez, and together they built a legacy of love and

faith. Her husband, already enlisted in the United States Air Force, married and moved

to Otis Air Force Base, Massachusetts They returned back to San Antonio, Texas and

purchased their home in the new Lackland Terrace Subdivision. She managed the

home and compassionately cared for their children. She later was employed with

Northside ISD food service. Her knowledge of organizational skills moved her up to

management in which she worked at various elementary schools and circled back as

the food service manager at John Jay High School. She retired from Northside ISD with

17 years of service in September 1995.

She cherished the written word, often found with a book in her hands, and delighted in

the challenge of a good Scrabble game. Her cooking and baking were not merely about

feeding the body but nourishing the soul, and her home was always a haven of warmth

and welcome, decorated with the care only a loving heart can bestow.

Sulema's love deepened as she became a grandmother to Brianna, Stephanie, Yvette,

Andreana, and Isabella, her heart growing ever fuller in the laughter, dreams, and joy

each of them brought into her life. The joy of her life was further multiplied in the smiles

of her great-grandchildren, each a precious gift and a continuation of her story. Each of

them carried a spark of her gentle spirit, her kindness, and her faith.

Her kindness was a tender whisper that echoed in the actions of those she touched,

and her faith was the lighthouse that guided them through life's storms. Sulema was a

living embodiment of the fruits of the spirit-love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Her life was a living sermon,

inspiring all who knew her to walk in love and live with purpose. Her gentle guidance

and wise words will echo in the hearts of those she touched for generations to come.

Now, as she is called home, we are comforted by the knowledge that she rests in the

eternal morning, basking in the glory of the Lord she so dearly loved. Her life was a

beautiful tapestry of faith-filled moments, a narrative of love's enduring power.

As we celebrate the life of Sulema Almendarez, let us remember that her journey

continues beyond the veil of this earthly realm. She has left an indelible mark on this

world-a legacy of a life well-lived, a family well-loved, and a faith well-kept. Though we

will miss her physical presence, her spirit will continue to guide us, and her memory will

forever be a source of comfort and inspiration. Blessed are those who were touched by

her life, for they have known a true angel among them.

Sulema is preceded in death by parents Pedro and Guadalupe Garcia, brothers Joe

Garcia (Josie), Lelia G. Limon (Juan), Robert Garcia (Maria), Santiago Garcia, and son

Jeffrey Almendarez.

Sulie is survived by her husband of 65 years Augustine (Tino) C. Almendarez, their

children and spouses; Michele Salinas (Albert), Leticia Brito, Mark Almendarez (Debra),

five granddaughters, twelve great-grandchildren, In-laws Nico Almendarez, Julian

Almendarez (Alice), and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation and services will be held at Castle Ridge Mortuary, 8008 Military Dr. West,

San Antonio, TX 78227.

Visitation: Monday, March 9, 2026 from 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Prayer service: Monday, March 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Final Visitation: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM, Prayer service at 9:15

AM

Funeral procession will follow to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Harry Wurzbach

Rd., San Antonio, TX 78207, Shelter - 2 with Committal Service at 11:15 A