Olga Rodriguez Gomez

She was a wife, a mother of three daughters and co- owner of Camilo's Jewelry. She was a long time Houstonian and a member of St. Cecilia's Catholic Church , Familias Unidas, and L.U.L.A.C.. Our Lord blessed her with a strong spirit, a love of life itself, and an amazing love for her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Camilo Gomez, her brother Oscar Rodriguez, her mother and father, Clotilde and Rafael Rodriguez, and her half-brother, Robert Rodriguez and half-sisters, Enriqueta Mercado and Lilia Villarreal.

Survivors include her daughters, Gloria Gayle Rivas and husband Elias, Olga Leonard and husband Scott, Norma McGraw and husband J.D., Grandchildren include Victor Rivas, Virginia Ochoa, Joshua and Kim Leonard. Great grandchildren include Taylor and Thomas Ochoa, Brandon, Briaunna, and Bella Rivas. In addition, she is survived by her sisters, Yolanda Montelongo and Ninfa Luera of Wharton, TX, sister, Minerva Davila of Bryan, TX, sister Rosalinda Baylor and brother Roland Rodriguez of Houston, TX, sister, Dahlia Fernandez of Baton Rouge, LA., brother-in-law, Oscar Gomez, and wife Lillie, sister-in-law, Lita Gomez, and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, 2011, in the chapel of Waltrip Funeral Directors, where the Rosary will be recited at 3:00 p.m.

Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 21st in the funeral home chapel followed by interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

Olga R. Gomez, 82, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 in her home surrounded by her daughters and siblings. She was blessed with a strong spirit which she shared her entire life through song, dance, love and friendship. Olga was a confident and caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, and friend. She served as a pillar of strength for many through her amazing life and gave freely of her time to serve her community as a member of L.U.L.A.C. and her beloved Club Familias Unidas. Olga was always committed to sharing the beauty and richness of the Hispanic culture through education, social events, and highlighting the blessings bestowed upon her family and friends. Olga was a leader and held many positions of leadership, both formally and informally. Her presence lit up any room and her voice attracted every ear. Whether it was advice she was sharing, or a song she was belting out, it was evident that its source originated in her heart, where no beat was ever wasted! Olga cherished life and family and she shared her gift of song with her family and community. Whether she was singing in the choir at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, at a wedding or anniversary party, or in her own backyard, she exuded a pride that could be interpreted as "God gave me these strong lungs and I am not going to waste them!". Family was of the utmost importance for Olga and she was often at the center of family traditions. "Tía Yaya", as she was affectionately known to her family, was either leading the festivities as the center of attraction or giving stern advice on how things should be done. Olga was a savvy business woman and together with her husband of 54 years, Camilo Gomez , owned and operated Camilo's Jewelry. Her personality, work ethic, and business knowledge was a driving force in marketing Camilo's creative talents. She was preceded in death by her husband, Camilo Gomez, who went home to his Father just over a month ago, and now Olga is again by his side sharing eternal life in the Heavens with our Lord and Savior. Olga was also preceded in death by her brother Oscar Rodriguez, and her mother and father, Clotilde and Rafael Rodriguez ,half-brother, Robert Rodriguez, and half-sisters, Enriqueta Mercado and Lilia Villarreal. It would not surprise us if Olga and Oscar were already trying confirm our reservations with our Lord so that one day we can will all be reunited again . Survivors include her daughters, Gloria Gayle Rivas and husband Elias, Olga Leonard and husband Scott, Norma McGraw and husband J.D., Grandchildren include Victor Rivas, Virginia Ochoa, Joshua and Kim Leonard. Great grandchildren include Taylor and Thomas Ochoa, Brandon, Briaunna, and Bella Rivas. In addition, she is survived by her sisters, Yolanda Montelongo and Ninfa Luera of Wharton, TX, sister, Minerva Davila of Bryan, TX, sister, Rosalinda Baylor, and brother, Roland Rodriguez, of Houston, TX, sister, Dahlia Fernandez of Baton Rouge, LA., brother-in-law, Oscar Gomez, and wife Lillie, sister-in-law, Lita Gomez, and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, 2011, in the chapel of Waltrip Funeral Directors, where the Rosary will be recited at 3:00 p.m.

Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 21st in the funeral home chapel followed by interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.