Olga A. Alcantar

Olga Alarcon Alcantar peacefully joined her Lord and Savior, March 12, 2012, surrounded by her loved ones. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother “Gammie”, great grandmother, and a dear and cherished friend to many. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jose, daughter Patricia Yoli Navarro, and sons-in-law Joseph Bennett and Joe Navarro. She is survived by sons, Joe Alcantar (Kim), Richard Alcantar, daughters Margaret Bennett, Sylvia Alcantar, Cecilia Lizarraga (Marcos), Toni Fox (Bill), 19 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.Mom was born in Presidio, Texas on January 25, 1926 where she lived a few years before becoming a lifelong El Pasoan. When Olga was five years old, she suffered a devastating car accident and was not expected to live. The doctors had given up hope of saving her as she hovered between life and death for a month, yet God had a plan for her and she miraculously survived after spending many months in the hospital. Her tenacious spirit and desire to live pulled her though this crisis and set the tone for the fierce and faithful passion she would have the rest of her life. Her passion was for her God, her family, and her community. Olga was a proud graduate of Bowie High School where she graduated as salutatorian of her 1943 class. Her love of learning remained a lifetime commitment, especially in the field of nutrition and vitamin supplementation. Mom was always ready with good advice on nutritional and health issues. Mother felt a call to serve not only her family which she faithfully did, but also her Catholic Church and community. She touched so many hearts through her volunteer and charitable works in the community. There was also not a charity organization that did not benefit from her generosity. Her commitment to those in need led her to help deliver meals for many years as a volunteer driver for the ‘Meals on Wheels’ program, and she administered Holy Communion to nursing home residents for many years. Her leadership helped improve the quality of life for so many through her work with the Ladies of Charity and St. Patrick’s Altar Society. She also helped clothe newborns through the Christ Child organization. Most importantly, she was very active in fighting for the rights of the unborn through the Reverence for Life organization. Mom loved to have fun, and it can be said she loved to tell a good joke! She was also a die-hard sports fan. Together she and our father, Jose were loyal supporters of the Dallas Cowboys and UTEP sports. She was also her children’s and grandchildren’s loudest and greatest cheerleader, always present to support and encourage in any endeavor. With a group of lifetime friends, all avid canasta players, she truly enjoyed the challenge of playing canasta. Those who knew her will remember Mom as the epitome of a true lady. She had the heart of a Spartan warrior combined with singular femininity. She had a strong and sweet spirit with a wonderful smile. Her beauty and graciousness radiated to all. Always a source of deep strength for her family, Mother blessed us with her sacrifice, her patience, her smile, her words of encouragement, and her unconditional love which continues to live through us today. Mother, you leave a legacy of loving service, and abiding faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for the Godly legacy to be passed down to generations to come. God’s greatest servant, Mother Teresa said, “God does not call us to do great things, but small things with great love.” As we mourn our Mother, we are so thankful for her life, and we thank God for giving us such a beautiful loving mother. The family would like to express our gratitude to her wonderful and loving caretakers, Blanca, Marta, Chela, and VNA Hospice. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 5:00PM to 6:00PM, with a Rosary at 6:00PM at Martin Funeral Home West. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 10:00AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 900 W. Missouri. Inurnment will be held by the family at a later date at Restlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the El Paso Community Foundation, 123 W Mills Ave # 520, El Paso, TX 79901, or a charity of your choice. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr. El Paso, TX 79912. To share memories of Olga with the family, please visit www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com