Hortencia “Hattie” Saldana of Austin, Texas passed peacefully on Aug. 13, 2024, at the age of 95, at home surrounded by her family.
Hattie was born on June 29, 1929, in Austin, TX to her parents, Luis & Beatriz Calderon. She enjoyed working hard, picking cotton for spending money with her brothers and sisters, and playing softball which she proudly passed down to her grandkids.
Fate led her to her husband of 50 years, Benny, and she could not resist his charm and her winning dancing partner. They ended up opening one of their greatest accomplishments, 34th Street Optical, where they worked side by side until Benny’s death. Hattie’s big heart showed in all she did within the community; as a driver for Texan Eye Center, picking up patients and driving them to their appointments, to being an intricate part of Sunday service at St. Ignatius where she always welcomed you with a big hug and always a kind word.
Hattie is survived by her children, Benny (Kate) Saldana, Jr and Patricia King; 11 grandchildren and their spouses, 34 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brother, Luis (Gloria) Calderon, and sister, Beatriz Garcia.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Benito Saldana; daughter, Cynthia Saldana; grandchildren, Paul Segura & Yvonnie Vega; her parents, and numerous brothers and sisters.
The family would like to give a heartfelt Thank You to Austin Hospice and Nurse B who made Hattie’s last days comfortable.
Visitation will be Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery.
Memorial donations in Hattie's name may be made to the Dementia Society of America at www.dementiasociety.org/donate or you may send donations to Dementia Society of America at Post Office Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.
