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On Friday, January 27th, 2023, Tomasa Angelina Villarreal, incredibly loving wife, and compassionate mother of five passed away at the age of 87. Born to Zeferino and Elisa Lara on March 7th, 1935, she lived life with her three brothers Issac, Salvador, Refugio, and two sisters Teresa and Elisa. She is now reunited with her mom, dad, and siblings. Family was everything to her, with 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren, she relished in the energy and spirit of her family. She is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces that loved her like their own mother, she made an impact on her family and continues to do so. Eugene and Tomasa were married for 71 years, and they lived a life of ups and downs like any marriage, but it was always filled with love, laughter, fun, and lots of trips to the coast. They loved fishing together, hosting numerous family BBQs, and sitting back in their lawn chairs to watch their family enjoy life, music, and good food. If there’s one thing they were incredibly proud of, it’s the family they created together. Her 5 children, Richard Villarreal, Mary Esther Green, Eugene “Geno” Villarreal, Debra Cote, and Albert Villarreal would all agree that their Mom was truly “the best Mom”. She was present in their lives, sacrificed her time and energy to create a home where you felt safe and loved, taught them what it meant to love and give love, would drag them out onto a dance floor at any given time, cheers to life with a big ol’ margarita for living another day because “the good Lord was willing”, and gave the most powerful hugs that made everything better. She’s a very loved, respected, and kind mother-in-law, she welcomed her son and daughter in-laws into the family as her own. She was cherished by Mary Villarreal, Michael Sanchez, Nelda Villarreal, and Anthony “TC” Cote (her favorite grumpy old man). Tomasa was a woman of God. She gave a big portion of her life to the ministry at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church in San Antonio, TX. She was a founding member, served for years in the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, Jail ministry, Women’s Shelter ministry, Arts and Environment Ministry, Eucharistic Minister ministry, and so much more. Her biggest passion was Graveside ministry. She loved helping families through a challenging time and was always a light of hope and calm. She graduated from the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, and she used this education throughout her ministry years. Her grandchildren would tell you that she made the best Mexican rice, beans, and homemade tortillas, could look you in the eyes for the truth and then give you a soul filling hug to make everything better, would show up for you when you asked, would pray her heart out for you, anoint you and send you on your way. She was the type of grandma that would say what she needed to say, even if she didn’t agree with you, but you knew she loved you and supported you. She danced with all of her grandchildren, and the cumbia was a favorite. Tomasa was the matriarch of the Villarreal family, and she will be greatly missed. She lives on in each of her family members. Her life-changing impact on the lives of the people she encountered will forever be her legacy. Visitation for the public will be held at Palm Heights Mortuary on Tuesday February 7th, 2023, from 4:00pm-8:00pm, and the Holy Rosary to begin at 6:00pm. The Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday February 8th, 2023 at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church at 9:30am, followed by interment at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. Tomasa had one last request for her funeral, and it was that people who attended would wear bright happy colors to celebrate her new life in heaven with Jesus and her family. She was vocal about her funeral being a celebration, because more than anything she wanted to meet her maker and her Mom.

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Tomasa Angelina Villarreal

March 7, 1935 - January 27, 2023