On April 11, 2023, Anita needed to rest, angels came and gently took her peacefully to her final resting place. Anita lived a full life while on this earth. She grew up Catholic and her daily prayer was necessary to get her through each day.
Ann, as she was known in her professional life enjoyed taking trips to interesting places with her longtime friend from Hondo. Their shopping excursions were epic to say the least. Ann had a sense of style that I admired so much. I once told her that she could put on a potato sack, jewelry and of course her scarf and nobody would know the difference. We shared some good laughs because she had a great sense of humor. Ann enjoyed celebrating special occasions with family and friends, these occasions were especially important to her. She always had her camera with her; she documented so much of our family history in pictures. With each celebration, came her homemade cakes and pies, she was known for these delicious treats. She also extended her gift of baking to family and friends during their time of need.
Anita was born in Devine, Texas on July 15, 1937, to Salome A. and Carlota J. Gallegos. Anita was born during hard and lean years, and those years provided her with important knowledge. And as the years drifted by, she learned more valuable lessons of survival and these lessons carried her through the years. Working hard was an instinct she applied throughout her life.
Ann had many professional friends. Those friends and acquaintances were more than generous in giving her advice and guidance throughout her career. Eventually a couple of people saw her potential and that was the beginning of a long and prosperous adventure. Ann was hired in a clerical position in the funeral home business; and she loved it! Ann was over the moon with gratitude given this opportunity in her life. She worked hard and learned every aspect of the business and eventually became the makeup artist for Hurley Funeral Home. She cared for every family that came in with love, compassion and dignity. She worked for over 60 years for the same company, in Devine and in Pearsall.
After retirement she stayed busy with baking, sewing, flower arranging, gardening, and doing her own thing. She also became like a surrogate mom to our family after losing our own mother. Anita stepped in and took the role. It was like second nature to her to take care of family.
As a sister, I always admired her tenacity to advance in life and live her life to the fullest. She was always an inspiration to me. Anita will be missed by her family and friends. She was a person of great spirit. She enjoyed having fun, laughing, celebrating special events, with a good barbecue, a margarita, Mexican food and music.
Anita (Ann) is preceded in death by her parents, Salome A. Gallegos & Carlota J. Gallegos; infant brother and sister, Baldemar & Anita; brothers, Joe A. Gallegos; Robert J. Gallegos; Willie J. Gallegos; Johnny J. Gallegos; sister, Mary Lou Gallegos Rodriguez.
She survived by her sister, Dora Gallegos Dodds of Mico, TX; sisters-in-law, Mary Gallegos; Beverly Gallegos; Rose Gallegos; brother-in-law Ruben Rodriguez; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
I love you sister and miss you dearly, Rest in Peace.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St Jude Hospital in Memphis, TN, her favorite charity. Arrangements made by Primrose Funeral Home Services, Devine, TX.
Memorial Services are pending.