Herlinda Enereida Alonzo

Herlinda Enereida Lopez Alonzo
June 28, 1928 – July 13, 2024
Beloved Mother, Grandmother & Great-Grandmother

Mother was born Herlinda Enereida Lopez Jimenez in Progreso, Coahuila Mexico. She was the daughter of Francisco and Agueda Lopez, one of seven children raised on a ranch. She married our Father Reynaldo L. Alonzo who passed away in 2009 and together they had four children: James (Adelita Guzman) Alonzo, Elizabeth Alonzo (Erasmo Villarreal), John (Grizelda Zamora) Alonzo, and Nancy Alonzo (Jeremy) Clifton. Ten grandchildren: James David, Priscilla, Amanda, Monique (Christopher Villarreal), Veronica (Efrain Acevedo), Samantha (Christian Valdez), Derek, Karla, Nancy, Daniylla, eight great grandchildren: Robert, Giovanni, Antonio, Alejandro, Angelina, Caleb, Leo, and Isaac. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandson Derek R. Trevino in 2011. 

Outstanding was her recognized contribution as a teacher although not through formal education but worked as an educator with the Texas Migrant Council HeadStart Program travelling to North Dakota and Illinois supporting migrant families. It was only recently that we discovered a letter from 1973 on behalf of Texas Governor Brisco congratulating her dedication as an educator in the vital field of the bilingual and bicultural children. Mother taught us to be honest, friendly, and to treat others with respect but she also taught us to stand up for ourselves and the power of education.

Teaching us right from wrong, honoring our parents, respecting our elders, good work ethic and the importance of helping others in need was what we learned from her. Although with life struggles, she taught us to become honest, productive, hardworking people and paid off her home that still stands. Her loving guidance and lessons will always remain in our hearts, and we will continue to teach our children and grandchildren. 

Herlinda’s life journey began when she married our father Reynaldo in Cd. Anahuac, Nuevo Leon and migrated to the United States of America travelling to California. There they encountered hardships, but she said she was very happy. They survived, especially with friendly people they met. Years passed and because our father served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he earned his U.S. Citizenship and then our mother. We the children did not arrive until ten years after they were married. By then we were migrants travelling every year to St. Thomas, North Dakota where our father worked and insisted, we attend school unlike other children that worked the farms along their parents. Mother worked with the Texas Migrant Council during this time but from time to time as we were in school, she would work alongside other migrants harvesting the farmlands. 

Everyone has a great accomplishment in life. Besides marring dad, our mother’s was her children. Her love for us was unending and through her love it made us the people we are today. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren would light up her world the moment they entered the room. She also had the beautiful gift of singing ever so beautiful. Road trips were all about singing. Hearing her sing brought us all joy. Mother brought skills from her upbringing such as crocheting, sewing, making delicious traditional Mexican foods and baking. We could never master her delicious oatmeal. 

Remembering Mother will always be in our hearts. Our hearts are aching and the thought of her not physically close by draws many emotions and tears. Our last promise to her was to love each other and be there for each other as she taught us.

We want to thank Elena Garcia, her caretaker for the loving care and attention she gave to our mother, the exceptional staff at Altus Hospice and Mr. Manuel Osorio for guiding us step by step as we prepare our goodbyes to our mother – “Mami, un dia nos vemos de nuevo.”

Funeral Services are under the direction of Hillside Funerals & Cremations on Saturday, July 20, 2024, 310 W. Hillside Rd., from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Celebration of life is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. with Mariachi tribute to follow. 

You may extend your condolences at www.hillsidefuneral.com For more information call 956-724-6060.