Memorial trees planted for:

Olivia Alamía Besteiro

Olivia “Ollie” Alamia Besteiro, entered eternal rest surrounded by loving family on May 13, 2025. She was born on March 16, 1936. Olivia graduated from Edinburg High School, where she was a member of the Sergeanettes girls drill team. She attended Pan American College before graduating from Incarnate Word College with a BA degree in Spanish. She later did graduate studies for a summer at the University of Madrid in Spain. She is survived by her beloved children, Albert Alfonso Jr., John Richard, Sonya Olivia and her very special grandson, Albert Dylan and his mother, Lupita Gomez; her sisters, Anna Eakin, Carmela Nelson (Bill) and Imelda Alamia; and her very special soul sister, Aida Barrera. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfonso and Amelia Alamia, her brother, Alfonso Alamia Jr., her brothers in law, Edward Eakin and Alfredo Lavios and her great niece, Anna Wegener. In 1959, Olivia began her career as a schoolteacher. She was one of the first certified bilingual teachers in Texas. Olivia, being an activist at heart, became a member of the Brownsville Classroom Teachers Association, where she met the love of her life, Albert Besteiro. She was an amazing woman who impacted so many lives from her teachings in the classroom, to advocating for better pay for teachers as the Texas State Teachers Association President. In her retirement days, Olivia took on a new mission by joining AARP, and soon becoming Texas President of AARP, that had her testifying on the Hill for better healthcare for senior citizens. She was a force to reckon with when it came to politics. It was her passion and in her DNA the day she was born. Olivia was a strong independent and resilient woman, who served as a mentor and role model to so many. Aside for mandated curriculum, Olivia modeled for her students to be loving, caring, kind and respectful.As the first Hispanic TSTA President, her dynamic leadership brought in the highest membership. Olivia could work the room like no other. People were drawn to her instantly. She had a heart twice the size of Texas and never met a stranger. Olivia was a devout Catholic with an unwavering faith that was passed onto her children and grandson. She served as a lector and was a member of the Guadalupanas at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in the Austin area for many years. She instilled in her children to “Pray to St. Jude” in times of personal turmoil. St. Jude was the patron of her home. Our Blessed Virgin Mary also played a significant role in her household, so it was only befitting that she departed on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima. She will be missed beyond measure. The greatest comfort for her family is knowing that she is in the arms of our Heavenly Father, together at last with Albert, the love of her life.She had a great love for the theatre, Opera, Mariachi music – any music that would make her feet tap and proceed to dance. Her favorite events were family Christmas gatherings, Alamia, Champion and Vela reunions and Del Castillo concerts. Olivia and Albert traveled the world over. She was known to be the life of the party on many girlfriend trips. Her Birthday trips to New York with her sisters and their daughters were unforgettable. She was an amazing daughter, sister, wife, mother, Tia Ollie, grandmother, friend and mentor. The family is eternally grateful for the loving care given to Olivia by Jenny Ballesteros, Yeni Estrada, Alicia Rodriguez, Maria Flores, Asminda Lara and the wonderful staff at Com for Care home. The outpouring of love we have received has been overwhelming and soothing to our souls. In memory of Olivia’s legacy, we humbly request that you continue her mission by speaking out, taking a stand, giving to others in need and making your community a better place for all. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda, TX or the St. Jude Hospital.

March 16, 1936 - May 13, 2025

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12 Trees have been planted in memory of Olivia Besteiro.

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Memorial Trees

Jennifer Jude Alamia

June 10, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Olivia Alamía Besteiro has been arranged by Jennifer Jude Alamia. Plant a tree

I love you Tia Ollie. You are and have always been the best Fairy Godmother ever May we continue to feel your energy and presence always

Anna, Amelia,luke, Allen and Isabella wegener

June 05, 2025

The planting of 5 memorial trees in the honor of Olivia Alamía Besteiro has been arranged by Anna, Amelia,luke, Allen and Isabella wegener. Plant a tree

Thankyou for the love you shared with our Annie. We know she treasured her big sister Ollie!

Monica Rodriguez-Maza & aa de Len-De La Garza

May 22, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Olivia Alamía Besteiro has been arranged by Monica Rodriguez-Maza & aa de Len-De La Garza. Plant a tree

Sonya hermosa, nos unimos a tu dolor. Descanse en paz tu mami bella. Estarn en nuestras oraciones. Te mandamos un fuerte abrazo. Te queremos mucho

Anonymous

May 20, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Olivia Alamía Besteiro has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Dale and Joanna Barnett and family

May 19, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Olivia Alamía Besteiro has been arranged by Dale and Joanna Barnett and family. Plant a tree

In loving memory to a very special person in our hearts.

Anonymous

May 19, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Olivia Alamía Besteiro has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Sonya,So sorry for the loss of your sweet and beautiful Mom. We love you and are lifting you and your family up in prayer.

Continental Strategy Team

May 19, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Olivia Alamía Besteiro has been arranged by Continental Strategy Team. Plant a tree

Dear Sonya, We are deeply sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.

Al Soto

May 19, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Olivia Alamía Besteiro has been arranged by Al Soto. Plant a tree

With love, prayers and our deepest condolences.. -The Soto Family.

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