Dolores Almendarez

Dolores Almendarez was born in Raymondville, Texas on February 11th, 1943 and passed away by her family's side at home on February 15th 2020 at the age of 77. She was the first of a sibling line of 14 brothers and sisters born to Tiodoso and Benita Almendarez who have preceded her in death.

She is survived by her two children, daughter, Isabel McClung, her son, Mykal Ortiz Almendarez, her granddaughter Zuriyda  Almendarez and her husband Gael Ortiz. She is also survived by her six sisters, five brothers, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dolores Almendarez and her 13 siblings were raised by loving and affectionate parents and extended family in a multigenerational household of migrant farmworkers in Raymondville, Texas. These values guided her life of service and generosity in her personal life, where she and her husband were always ready to help anyone needing a place to stay as friends and family members transitioned through difficult struggles and times of need in their lives. Dolores and Gael are beloved by many.

Dolores attended public schools, Houston Community College, and Hispanic International University. She worked for Children's Protective Services and MHMR. She retired as a Texas state employee in 2003.

She had an adventurous spirit and loved traveling, throughout the United States and abroad. She was devoted to her family and friends and was a long time member of Fairview Baptist Church in South Austin. Family remained by her side until she was finally able to go home to be with the Lord. Intimate funeral services were held at her home on February 15th and 16th, led by her daughter, siblings and other family members and friends who were able to share indelible memories of Dolores.

Memorial services will be held in Galveston, Texas, Denver, Colorado, and Seattle, Washington as her long expressed wishes on dates to be determined. These will be celebrations of her life as a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many who will miss her fun and extremely loving spirit for many years to come.