Norma Alice Calderon, lovingly known by many as “Grandma Alice” and “Grandma Grandma,” passed away on May 15, 2026, at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 89.
Alice was born on August 20, 1937, in Fort Davis, Texas to Jim and Magdalena Hartnett and was the oldest of seven children. In 1950, she moved with her parents and sisters to San Antonio, Texas, where she later graduated from Little Flower Catholic School in 1955.
In 1958, she married Antonio Calderon of Marfa, Texas, and together they built a life centered around faith, family, and service. During Tony’s 23 years in the United States Air Force, Alice proudly served as a military wife, traveling across the country and creating a loving home wherever life took them. Together they raised three daughters: Jeannie Olivares, Elizabeth Vera, and Terri Lerner.
After returning to Texas, Tony and Alice eventually settled in Devine, Texas in 1976, where she spent the past 50 years surrounded by family, ranch life, and generations of grandchildren. She worked for many years in the hotel industry and later became a nanny in Dallas, a role she deeply loved until the birth of her first great-grandchild, Alyssa Cortez, created five living generations in the family.
Alice returned home to help raise and nurture the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who filled her life with purpose and joy. Her home was always full of laughter, love, stories, and the comforting smell of homemade treats. Christmases will never be the same without the famous baked cookie baskets she lovingly prepared and gifted to everyone she cared for.
She held a deep affection for spending time with her grandchildren and treasured the close bond she shared with her best friend, Melly Haro. Alice was strong, independent, loving, and endlessly devoted to her family. Her kindness and generosity touched all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Magdalena Hartnett; sisters Esther Hartnett and Olivia Fauley; former husband Antonio Calderon; and beloved great-grandson Triese Vera.
Alice leaves behind a legacy of love through her daughters Jeannie Olivarez, Elizabeth Vera, and Terri Lerner; sisters Teresa Hernandez, Arlene Imkin, Sally Gwyn and husband Larry Gwyn; brother Jim “Jimbo” Hartnett and wife Liz Hartnett; along with generations of six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren who will forever cherish her memory.
Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we celebrate a life beautifully lived. Alice’s strength, warmth, laughter, and unconditional love will remain with us always.
Funeral Services will be Friday, May 29, 2026 at Primrose Funeral Home, 303 West College Avenue, Devine, Texas 78016 with a Rosary at 10:00 a.m. and Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. Procession to St. Joseph’s Cemetery to follow.
Family and friends are invited to attend a luncheon at the Calderon Ranch following the services.
In Loving Memory ofNorma Alice Calderon
