Gregoria S Guzman, 85, passed away on August 10, 2020, in Lytle, TX. She was born on May 9, 1935, in Robstown, TX to parents Jesus and Micaela Sanchez.
Gregoria (Gollita) was preceded in death by husband – Samuel Guzman, son – Gilbert Guzman, father – Jesus Sanchez, mother – Micaela Sanchez, brother – Ken Sanchez, sister- Jane Cruz, sister – Maria (Nene) Martinez, granddaughter- Rachel Ramirez.
Gregoria is survived by daughters; Rosalinda Cruz, Bertha (Dennis) Haass, Christine Guzman, Mary Ann Davis (Melvin Olenick), grandchildren; Beth Olejnik, Eric Hernandez, Scott Haass, Laura Guzman, Victoria Davis, Edwin Davis, 10 great grandchildren, Napoleon Sanchez Sr (Petra); Jesse Sanchez (Lupe); Esperanza Gonzalez (Flavio); Olga Sanchez; Cristoval Sanchez (Naida); Linda Sanchez; Jose Sanchez (Valerie); Carmen Sanchez, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and many dear friends.
Our mom was also known as “Gollita” or “GG”. She was also a grandma, great grandma, sister, aunt, best friend, chef, seamstress, entrepreneur, counselor and prayer warrior….to name just a few. She taught us to sew. She made most of our school clothes even through high school. At Thanksgiving she made the entire meal and it was like one you would get at a finer restaurant. She taught us to make tamales, menudo, chorizo, tortillas, bunuelos, barbacoa, hush puppies and Easter basket Easter cake! The following is shared by her granddaughter Laura Michelle. These tender words are but a glimpse of the tremendous love and care our mom gave to so many.
“Everyone knows Gollita. You know her from Guzman baseball field, bingo, and many church festivals. A lot of people especially remember her amazing concession stand hamburgers. But I’d like to share a little bit of my Gollita, the wonderful and beyond gracious woman who was my Grandma. My mom, Christine and I lived with Grandma for a while in 1993 and she’s been my best “Comadre” ever since. Grandma never got tired of hearing me talk; Grandma was always ready to play along when I walked to the front door in my mom’s high heels, and a baby doll on my hip. I’d knock on the screen door. With genuine excitement she’d look over from her spot at the kitchen table & say “oh hi Comadre!! Come on in!!” It was our ongoing game until 8 days ago, when she passed. Grandma made you feel cherished. When I was little she would sing to me just to put my socks and shoes on. I thought I was something special for her to softly look me in the eyes, smile, and sing just for me. She sang beautifully in case you were never privileged to hear her. Aunt Bert remembers watching Grandma so attentively pass Grandpa his snacks, taquitos, or coffee as he drove the family to the coast. Rachel used to tell me “she just loves us so unconditionally.” Grandma was a very talented cook, you’d know if you’d had her tamales, menudo, calabacita, or chicken and gravy. But I bet you didn’t know she was also a pretty talented seamstress. She assisted one of the greatest NBA players of all time, Shaquille O’Neal! Several years ago Aunt Mary Ann called Grandma and said Shaq was staying at their hotel and needed a patch sewn on his jacket for an interview with a local news station. Grandma stepped up. She sewed on the patch & later we watched Shaq wear her work on television! Driving wasn’t Grandma’s favorite thing, but she drove me to school religiously, even when it made her nervous. I was so painfully shy; Grandma would walk in to drop off my lunch money so I wouldn’t be afraid. Grandma made time for all of my pretend scenarios and not once was she too busy. She never sighed or rolled her eyes or even made me feel silly for being so imaginative. Grandma was always available, undeniably devoted to making me feel seen, heard, happy, and special. Mission accomplished, Grandma! I’d like to say the days are long but the years are short and while I wish everyone a full 85 years like Grandma, there is a finale. So Play Pick 3, have a garage sale, play a game of Yahtzee (or 5), make a pineapple upside down cake, volunteer at your next church event (when it’s safe), drive your granddaughter to school, or fix someone eggs for breakfast. It is in these shared memories and experiences of my Grandma that we will be able to keep the legacy of her love alive.”
Visitation was held Monday, August 17, 2020, at the Hurley Funeral Home Lytle Chapel from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Rosary was recited at 7:00 PM Monday, August 17, 2020. Mass was celebrated Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 10:00 AM at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Lytle TX. with interment following in Immaculada Concepcion Cemetery in Coalmine, TX.
Seating is limited at the church to 50 people. Contact a family member to reserve a seat. Those wishing to attend services can meet at the Immaculada Concepcion Cemetery in Coalmine, TX.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the guest book may do so at www.HurleyFuneralHome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home – Lytle, TX, 14822 North Main, Lytle, TX 78052.