Violeta Fretwell

Violeta R. Fretwell, 91 blessed years, died peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Harris County on November 13, 2022. She was the oldest daughter born on December 04, 1930 and lived with her beloved Grandmother, Ms. Suello, in Manila, Philippines.

She was loved by all her 7 children, and a plethora of grandchildren. She absolutely enjoyed listening to all the scoop and happenings of her children and their children. During her many years in Houston, Texas, she was well known as a loving Wife, Mom, Grandmother, and Lola. If you know Lola, then you know she would never let you leave her house on an empty stomach. Her house was known as the place her grandchildren called home anytime they needed a place to rest their heads and hearts. Her loving ways would later be reflected in the rightly earned title as the Matriarch of the family.

Violeta loved adventure; her travels included Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Australia, but perhaps her favorite destination was Houston, Texas for celebrating family birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. Her most favorite holiday was Christmas where she celebrated Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior’s birthday, with her family at their homes and hers. Some of the best meals spent together were around Christmas time and she was always ready for any opportunity to cook her most famous Filipino dishes, Mechado and Pancit!

In the last four years, Violeta endured many health issues including congestive heart failure and COPD, where she found herself telling her life testimonies to those who cared for her. She was an eternal optimist and always looking to make the “big comeback” and speak on her experiences of miraculously surviving Covid-19. Despite her challenges, in the last years, family and friends continued to be a lifelong comfort and she enjoyed the times when her family sang together on her Karaoke machine, in her home. She spent many days enjoying her great grandchildren and was very proud to see the successes experienced by her children and their children.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jake Fretwell and her best canine companion, Angel.

She is survived by her siblings Mildred, Jenny, Charlie, Evangeline and Edna. Violeta said her greatest joy was being a Mother to her children Arturo (Auring) Cruz, Elizabeth (John) Norris, Lerma Fretwell, Edward (Janie) Fretwell, Juliet (Chuck) Churchill, Michael Fretwell and Vivian (Michael Alan) Lewis. She “found hope in the future” with her grandchildren; Darlene Cruz, John (Cynthia) Mortensen, Jennifer (Adam) Cormany, Crimson (Christine) Cruz, Tiffany (Adrian) Lindley, Bryant (Courtney) Rohloff, Jason (Jess) Perno, Marisa Fretwell, Joshua (Dawn) Fretwell, Mikey (Misty) Fretwell, Haile Fretwell and Michelle Fretwell. Violeta was also blessed with many great- grandchildren. She was Momma to many who surely all have a story to tell of her shenanigans and sense of humor.

The family is forever grateful to friends, Debbie and Don Amrhine, Norma Ybarbo, Randi Reyes for their invaluable support and surrounding Violeta with prayers and love throughout the latter years of her life. A special thank you to the first responders, nurses and doctors who lovingly cared for her in her last few months.

A traditional memorial service will be held to remember her life and celebrate her entry into her new home, Heaven. Please join us.

The family welcomes flowers and requests spending some quality time during this holiday season with your loved ones in her memory.

Her heart of this world may have failed, but her spirit was stubbornly strong: She shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul.