Alicia Tamez

Alicia Tamez, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Gentiva Hospice in Alamo, Texas. She was born on June 8, 1948, in Donna, Texas, to Lucio and Eugenio (Silva) Tovar. 

Alicia, the fifth of ten siblings, grew up in Donna. After graduating from Donna High School, she earned an Associate's Degree in Houston, Texas. Alicia started her career at NASA in Clear Lake City, which was an exciting opportunity. However, she eventually moved back to her hometown. 

Alicia met her soulmate somewhere in between this time, Gumaro Tamez. They were married in 1974. 

Alicia's life was marked by dedication and hard work. She embarked on a fulfilling career journey. After NASA, Alicia worked for the Donna School District, dedicating the next forty-five years. Her commitment to her profession was unparalleled, and she served as a role model to many. Alicia was a true professional, and her work ethic was unmatched. 

Throughout her life, Alicia exuded grace and elegance. Known for her impeccable sense of style and love for dressing up, she always made a lasting impression. Alicia was passionate about music, mainly classical, piano, and polka. She enjoyed social gatherings and cherished moments with family and friends at joyful celebrations like weddings, quinceañeras, and fiestas. She loved to dance. 

Alicia's proudest accomplishments revolved around her role as a devoted mother, which was her natural role. Even after her children had grown up, she nurtured others by caring for her grandchildren with unwavering love. 

A charismatic social butterfly with an infectious smile, Alicia never failed to brighten any room she entered. Her magnetic personality drew people towards her, and she formed lifelong friendships wherever she went. In her leisure time, Alicia found joy in shopping for hidden gems at places like the Val Verde flea market, where she even had a booth selling clothes part-time.

Cooking was another one of Alicia's passions. Renowned for her exceptional culinary skills, she delighted loved ones with dishes like banana bread, caldo con pollo, tortillas de harina y maiz, and nopales con chorizo.

Alicia could travel to several places, including Las Vegas, Disney Land in California, and Disney World in Orlando. 

Alicia was a Christian woman and lived by example. She was always the first to lend a helping hand. Throughout her life, Alicia helped countless people. She also loved angels and had an extensive collection. Alicia's heart of gold is shown through both personally and professionally. 

Alicia is preceded in death by her parents, Lucio and Eugenio Tovar, her loving husband, Gumaro Luis Tamez Jr., her son, Gumaro Luis Tamez III, and siblings Lucio "Pepe" Tovar Jr., Jose Tovar, and Edelidia Rodriguez. 

She is survived by her son Marco Tamez (Maria del Carmen) and Melissa Tamez, siblings Dora Gonzales (Concepcion "Chon" Sr.), Gloria Gonzalez (Raymond), Maria de Lourdes Tovar (Jose Martinez), Sylvia Trevino, Lucinda Ramos (Guadalupe+), and Roel Tovar (Elvira), as well as numerous grandchildren, nephews, and nieces. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A visitation service to honor Alicia's life will be held on July 20 at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco, Texas, from 1 to 9 p.m. with a prayer service at 7pm. 

May we find solace in the memories we shared with Alicia as we come together to celebrate a life well-lived.

The family would like to especially thank "Compadres", Jose Pamatz and Margarita Robles. Margarita was the caregiver to Alicia and her late husband, Gumaro.