Tomasa Ortiz Olivarri

With heavy hearts, yet full of gratitude for the love she shared, we announce that Tomasa Ortiz Olivarri-beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend-passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded by her family.

Tomasa, known by many as "Tommie," was born on March 7, 1937, in Pharr, TX. She made her home in Jourdanton, TX, for most of her life and was known for her leadership, service, and generosity. Tomasa had many talents that she joyfully used to serve others-whether cooking weekly family meals or preparing her annual tamales that she gifted by the dozen. A self-taught musician, hair stylist, and seamstress, she played in the church choir, cut the hair of friends and family, and sewed garments ranging from everyday clothes to wedding and first communion dresses. She loved staying busy, walking two to four miles a day at the local park or high school track, and she was a proud fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

Much of Tomasa's life was dedicated to ministry. She served as President of the St. Matthew Guadalupanas; was a Cursillista; an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister; a member of the St. Matthew Spanish Choir and Parish Council; a Catechist; a volunteer in the St. Matthew food pantry; and an active participant in both prison and detention center ministry.

Her career was another meaningful part of her life. She began as a nurse aide at Mercy Hospital and later worked in sterile processing at South Texas Regional Hospital, always valuing not just the work itself but the people she met and uplifted along the way. Above all, Tomasa cherished her faith, family, friendships, and community.

Tomasa is survived by her children, Gilbert Olivarri, Jr. (Janie), Rose Mary Castillo (Jose Angel Sr.), Michael Olivarri (Nancy), Jerome Olivarri, Joseph Olivarri (Veronica), her siblings, Guadalupe Olivarri, Marcos Ortiz (Francis), Maria Rodriguez, her grandchildren Jacelyn Castillo, Jose Angel Castillo, Jr. (Monica), Cynthia Ann Castillo, Thomas Matthew Castillo (Rebecca), Jillian Kristene Olivarri, Delanee Kae Olivarri, Lauren Marie Olivarri, Lindsey Rose Olivarri, and her great grandchildren Crispin B. Castillo, Patrick S. T. Castillo, Richter G. Castillo, and Tirion J. Castillo who will continue to honor her legacy by living out their values, and carrying on traditions.

She is preceded in death by her parents Antonia Ortiz and Jose Ortiz, Sr., her siblings Isabel Gonzalez, Petra Gallegos, Teresa Covarrubio, Ignacia Ortiz, Catarina Guerrero, Julian Ortiz, Frank Ortiz, Sr., Jose Ortiz, Jr., Antonio Ortiz, Jesus Ortiz, Pedro Ortiz, and Vicenta Guevara.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Hurley Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am on Monday, December 1, 2025 at St. Matthew Catholic Church with burial at San Jose Cemetery.