In Memory of My Sister-in-law's Mother: Maria G. Gonzales: Rest In Peace!

Our family expresses our sincere condolences 

to the entire Gonzales family

on the loss of their family matriarch.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, and

especially for my sister-in-law (Yolanda G. Dominguez) 

on the loss of her mother.

Blessings and a beautiful journey as Maria goes home to meet her Maker.

Click here to see Times Tribune Online Obituary 

In Memory Of David Ernest Baldwin, Sr: Funeral Today--Odessa, Texas: Rest In Peace, tio David!

Mass was celebrated at 2:00 pm Thursday, June 19, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Rev. Santiago Udayer officiating.  Interment followed at Ector County Cemetery, Peaceful Gardens Section.  Services by Odessa Funeral Home. 

The Baldwin family hosted a beautiful reception following the funeral at Sherwood Community Center.

It was an honor and a privilege to have known tio David.  He was always in a good mood, he always had a joke to tell, and he had a most contagious laugh.  It was nice to get to see family members through-out the week; mostly on the day of the funeral.  Many loved ones whom we had not seen since Mama passed away. 

To view obituary via this blog, click here: David Ernest Baldwin, Sr. 

To view obituary via Odessa Funeral Home, click here: David Ernest Baldwin, Sr.

To sign online guest book via Odessa Funeral Home, click here: David Ernest Baldwin, Sr. Guest Book 

The guest book will be available online until July 16, 2015.

In Memory Of Our Tia Lola's Husband: David Ernest Baldwin, Sr: Rest In Peace, tio David!

In Memory of David Ernest Baldwin, Sr.

July 27, 1950 - June 14, 2014

As it reads in the Odessa American and Odessa Funeral Home obituaries:
In Our Heavenly Kingdom and the Loving Arms of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is found our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather & Dear Friend, David Ernest Baldwin Sr. Mr Baldwin, 63 of Odessa passed away Saturday June 14, 2014, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Rio Grande City, Texas to Albert E. Baldwin and Maria Delmoncerate Rodriguez on July 27, 1950. Mr. Baldwin is preceded in death by parents; Albert E. Baldwin and Maria Delmoncerate Rodriguez and Brother Jaime Baldwin.
He is survived by his wife Dolores Baldwin of Odessa, Texas. Sons; David (Jeanette) Baldwin of Odessa, Texas and Dean (Perfecta) Baldwin of Zephyrhills, Florida. Daughters Diana Baldwin and Kassandra Baldwin both of Odessa, Texas. Brothers; Hector (San Juana) Baldwin of Odessa, Texas and Albert (Diana) Baldwin Jr. of Dade City, Florida. Sisters; Nellie (Raul) Sanchez, Thelma Leos, Ellie Mae (Raul) Cruz and Ana (Gustavo) Guzman all of Dade City, Florida. Grandchildren; Justin Castro, Stephanie Baldwin, Irene Florez, Austin Baldwin, Hector Florez III, Desiree Baldwin, Gabriel Florez, Tony McCaslin, and Ariana Baldwin. Mr. Baldwin leaves numerous of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and many friends to cherish his memory.
Mr. Baldwin was a man with a huge heart and personality. He always found a way to put a smile on someone's face with his humor and seemed to always have everyone in laughter. Above all this, Mr. Baldwin made a huge impact on many lives throughout his the years as a coach in boxing. Many looked up to him as a role model and a man of great wisdom.
We the family would like to take the time to express our utmost sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for all your prayers and especially your presence with us during this difficult time. May God Bless you abundantly.
Pallbearers will be Hector Baldwin, James Lopez Sr., Raul Cruz, Gustavo Guzman, Arturo Hoffman, Tony Moreno, and Honorary Pallbearer Eduardo Rodriguez.
Visitation will be held today, Wednesday, June 18, 2014 from 8am-9pm with a Rosary at 7pm, Odessa Funeral Home Chapel.
Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 pm Thursday, June 19, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Rev. Santiago Udayer officiating.
Interment to follow at Ector County Cemetery, Peaceful Gardens Section. Services by Odessa Funeral Home.
Arrangements under the direction of Odessa Funeral Home, Odessa, TX.

*********   *********   *********

Sign the online Guest Book (expires via online July 16, 2015): Odessa Funeral Home: David Ernest Baldwin, Sr. Guest Book.

In Memory of My Two Nephew's Grandmother: Florencia "Lencha" Gamboa: Rest In Peace!

Our family expresses our sincere condolences to the Gamboa family

on the loss of their family matriarch.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, and

especially for my two nephews (Gilbert and Rudy).

Blessings and a beautiful journey as Mrs. Gamboa goes home to meet her Maker.

 (click obituary to view funeral home posting)

In Felicia's words:  "Noel (aka) Noey, She would of been 10 years old this December 4th 2013 she lived a long and happy life. We were very blessed she was a part of our family she will be missed dearly."

 



 

 

In Memory of Felicia's Beloved Cat, NOEY: Rest in peace - Sweet Wonderful Pet!

This is dedicated to my niece Felicia's dear cat: NOEY. 

Noey passed away this Wednesday morning.  She died in the loving arms of the person she loved so very much: Felicia. 
As the story goes, it seems Noey was seeking Felicia's comfort and love so that she could pass away.  Noey was over 10 years old, and we left her sudden demise to the fact of life which dictates when animals - like people - must pass away.  For certain to a better place.  Though Noey will greatly be missed by Felicia, Erica, Eva, Wero, and the rest of her family, we take comfort knowing she is in a better place.  I am certain that Felicia and other close family members who knew and loved this wonderful cat will take a lot of time to cope with this sudden loss.  Everyone to cope as he/she needs.  Mostly my heart goes out to Felicia!

Pets are only called pets to decipher them from human beings, but those of us whom have pets often refer to them as "furry family members".  I know that is how Felicia thought of her Noey!

Pets are a blessing from G-d.  Because of that I know in my heart that our beloved pets also go to heaven.  Can you imagine a heaven without pets?  I cannot!  They are so loving and loveable; no conditions on how they love.  No matter what...your pets love you.  That is partly the reason I a firm believer that our pets ascend into heaven.  It is their own reward.  For loving us so much!

So with sad heart and lots of tears, I bid this awesome pet a "so long".  Good-bye is much too permanent and with a "so long" I know we will all be reunited with Noey one day as we will with other loved ones.

In Memory of Philip Sr's mother, Luz G. Guzman: Rest in peace.

Guardian Online Obituary and Guest Book
(click here):
Big Spring Herald Obituary
(click here):

Mrs. Guzman was a very nice lady.  I can recall memories of her from when my brother-in-law (Wero) first began dating my sister.  Luz and my Mom were good friends.  We (Mama and Papi) would often visit her and her late husband (Felix) at their home.  I was young and to me their house seemed so big.  I guess things always look bigger when you are young.  Luz always offered up something for me to drink when we visited; with a smile.  She always laughed no matter what she said or what others said.  Her laugh was loud and contagious - it made others want to laugh along with her.  It is indescribable through words, but in my mind, I can still hear her laughing.  She had a nickname for me...I cannot recall it right now, but when I do I will update this post.  Naturally I was saddened upon hearing of her loss.  She battled with a lengthy illness, and as life often sends our way as mere mortals, her battle came to an end.  With that said, I bid her farewell and pray for her to be at peace with her Maker.  No more suffering.  Say hi to our beloved family members who went ahead of you (much too soon)! May they each greet you with open-loving arms and help you to rejoice in eternal, resting life. 

Thirty Year Anniversary: A Sad Reflection Of When Papi Passed Away: A Poem For Him!

To Papi,

With Lots of Love From Your Loving Familia!

In Memory of One Of Our Dearest Friends: Roberta (Berta) Barber: March 11, 1943 - May 28,2013!

Ms Berta was a very special friend to my sister (Josie) and in turn she became special to me as well.  For many years this lady made a huge impact on my sister's life for various reasons and ultimately and most importantly she was there for my sis when my sis needed a friend - a good friend whom could just listen and always, always offered up a solution in lieu of unwanted advice.  Though I am sure she gave advice, that is what elders whom love us unconditionally do, after all.  My sister was lucky (and she knows that) to have had such a special person enter her life long, long ago when my sis moved away from home (out-of-town) with my brother-in-law (J
abier) and entered into a new, different and somewhat scary world without family.  Ms. Berta took her in and in essence became her family.  Like I stated earlier, not long after she took my sis under her wings, per se, Ms. Berta would also positively impact my life.  

I was just a little kid (not sure how old I was), but Ms. Berta also made me feel special and welcome during the times (usually summer vacation) I would spend with my sis and bro-in-law.  I felt lonely and lost the first time my parents allowed me to spend time with Josie and Jabier only because I was so not used to being away from home, especially not away from Mama.  I got used to it in time and the brat in me opened herself to allowing others into my life and Ms. Berta wasted no time in opening her world to this person.  Such a wonderful lady she was.  Her generosity so magnanimous as was her heart.  During a conversation Josie and I had this week, we both stated  that if you open your heart and mind to allowing others that are not family by blood, and offer yourself up to having special friends...you may just end up with a wonderful friend like Ms. Berta.  We also remembered Ms. Berta's huge heart and love for those whom were good to her as well.  When I was ill (years later after meeting Ms. Berta and thankfully she was still a big part of Josie's life and mine), and I was on short-term leave from my job (when I was a Team Lead at Target), Ms. Berta found out and just gave me the money I lacked to buy the much needed meds for my thyroid condition.  I was having monetary problems during that time and not only did this kind, special friend offer up money for meds but for anything else I needed. 

That was Ms. Berta for you - always thinking of others.  Whatever you needed or wanted she insisted on being the one to help you get it.  She never asked why you needed it; however, she did sometimes ask why you did not go to her first.  We will forever remember her great, big smile and her awesome heart.  The way she loved unconditionally when one took the time to love her back and exercised the most important rule of all: "the golden rule"!  Though Ms. Berta suffered much through health issues for many, many years and fought the "good fight"...she must have finally been ready to go meet her Maker as well.  She provided much comfort for my dear sister when we lost our Mama and for that Ms. Berta will forever have endeared herself to me more than she ever had.  We will all miss her terribly.  She, like so many others, also leaves a gap in our lives, but her memories linger long, hard and sweet to sustain us...in return we offer up our own great, big smiles to her each time we remember her!  

Love from Josie (a.k.a. your daughter), Jabier, Alex, Dora, Sara, and the rest of the family whom knew Ms. Berta well and what she meant to us in Midland!

Midland (online) notice: (click here for Obit)

Click here to sign "guest book":

In Memory Of Christine's Brother: James!

This post  is dedicated to my niece's brother, James. Another wonderful person whom passed away much too soon.

My heart breaks for Christine (my nephew Taita's wife) and the rest of the family as they mourn the loss of their loved one.  I regret I never met James mainly because I do enjoy meeting people and getting to know them and such.  I like to think myself being an open-minded person, a free-spirit whom always takes time to get to know others.  Most often than not I end up with fantastic friends (sometimes life-time friends) whom I can count on and maybe lose touch with for a while, but able to pick up right where we last left off.  James seems to have been this kind of person.

From what Christine writes and recalls of her brother, he was a very special person to many and just as endearing and important to her, her daughter (Brianna) and to my nephew (Taita).  Life is tough and sometimes we get the short end of the stick, but when at the end of it all so many people come up from out of the proverbial wood-work and say wonderful things about you and have awesome memories of you then you know you did something right.  With that said and done...way to have lived a good life, James.  I did not know you or what kind of life you had, but the stories I am reading about you lead me to believe you were kind and generous. Rest in peace!

Special note to Christine (from your Texas family), we extend our condolences to you and send blessings to you all to be okay during this huge loss in your life.

In Memory of One Of My Dearest Friends: Juana L. Osborn

December 25, 1919 -  December 7, 2012
Rest In Peace Dear Friend!

(For Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home announcement click on picture above)
For Big Spring Herald announcement (click here):

In Memoriam and Reflection: The Story Of My Friendship With Juana L. Osborn

The Beautiful Home On Frazier Street! 

I have several fond memories of Ms. Osborn ironically starting from the time when I was a youngster growing up on the west-side of town frequenting a "mom and pop" type of neighborhood store. Unbeknownst to me that the owners - Ms. Osborn and her husband, D.M. ("Dock") - would later in life impact my life, Mama's life and the life of our entire family actually in such a positive manner. We began our ties as mere shoppers of their little store/gas station on W. Hwy 80. Both Juana and "Dock" were always friendly and mindful of all who shopped their quaint store. I know I preferred their store over another "mom and pop" store a little further up the road because those owners were not as nice as the Osborns. I even remember riding the bus that Ms. Osborn's daughter drove during that era; she drove a different route than the one that took me home. I would take that bus when I visited my friends who lived in a different neighborhood...I would get into trouble because sometimes Mama and Papi did not know my plans to do this and either I would get home late because I would then have to make the long walk home or I would end up having to call for a ride. Not a smart thing for such a young person to do (not then and for sure not in these current times), but the safety-factor was not such a big deal as times were different as was trust of others. No one was necessarily safer by any means during those times but people's attitudes were more 'green' perhaps innocent if I had to choose a one-word description of how things and people were back then. 
This is indeed a nice story if you forgive me my tangent and humor me as I foolishly attempt to put it in writing as I muddle through the memories. We were by no means extremely close to the Osborn couple before or after their store shut down and we lost touch with them. We were just saddened as customers when their store closed down and were left with no choice but to make the store further up the road our more permanent stop for those last minute items which convenience stores offered. It was what it was as is my motto. We would meet again years later. The story I want to share of how a beautiful little home on Frazier street came to impact our lives and bring us all back together again is as such. Mama was still residing in the west side of town in a nice but too small and cramped apartment. We decided it was time she had her own house to call her very own. A home where our large and still growing family could gather with more elbow room. A place where Mama could grow her own garden and plants and such. A home that would accommodate our entire family as Mama had often wanted. A place where our love could and would grow and bring us closer as a family. That home would come to be the home where Juana and "Dock" had lived years ago with their own family. By the time we began house-hunting, Ms. Osborn had moved to another home in town and had tried selling the house on Frazier street several times. Long story short, we bought the Osborn home from Juana in August of 2002...one month shy of Mama's birthday; a new decade in a new millennium/new century, per se. She had placed it up for sale for the third time in several years and was understandably hesitant in selling it on her fourth attempt via owner-financing but she took a chance with us anyway. Friendly negotiations were made on that happy day as I remember. Mama got her "home", Juana finally found people who would bring lots of love and care into the house she once called home. Before we knew it with just a few years having gone by, the home was paid for with some upgrades having been made and tons of good memories having been made. I will always love and be so grateful to this lovely lady whom I often and in secret (shared with Sara) considered as my own adopted "grandma". 
Sara and I visited with Juana's family tonight (she passed away earlier today). We were in town for the birth of my great-niece Ava Sophia. A happy event. My sister Eva (Ava's proud grandma) read about Juana's death in the local newspaper and quietly shared the announcement with me. I was very sad upon reading the obit myself but I held back the tears as I remembered only the good times shared with her; mainly the excellent opportunity which Juana's true christianity afforded us with Mama's home on Frazier street. I remembered the adage of how one person dies and a new one is born. Ava was our miracle baby today for obvious reasons and her birth was healing and nothing but love and signs of good things to come for our family. We were missing Mama today but we felt her presence; she was there to help us welcome Ava into this world. Nothing but love. Happiness superceded sadness on this day. Missing Mama and reading about Juana's death - well, it all had its place. I was able to visit with members of Juana's family this evening after we left the hospital so that Ava's new parents could rest before she began her rule and domination of free and quiet time (I say that with love and in humor...Ava is a good baby). Anyway... The visit tonight with Juana's family was nice. Sara and I were only stopping by to extend our condolences. The funeral home was not ready to allow visitors yet but we remembered where Ms. Osborn's daughter lived. We were not ready to be invited into their lovely home as they were preparing to gather at another loved one's home, but they insisted we go in and sign their guest-book and such. They shared with us the story of how Juana passed away and everything that occurred prior to her passing. We then shared how we had also lost Mama over a year ago and Juana's daughter was very sad to hear those news. They did not know about our huge loss to our family but the final tie between families was shared tonight as we each spoke about our mothers. Good memories shared and nothing but respect and kindness flowed between respective anecdotes. They had nothing but good things to say about Mama, our family, and I was humbled in having also been remembered in such a positive light. Not just by Juana's family but by Juana herself which meant the world to me. I held back tears as they shared stories of Juana's positive opinion of Mama and me. They knew my name before I could fully introduce myself as they welcomed us into their home. It was nice...not in a manner which befits a braggart, but in humble, honorable manner which I was proud of - a manner in which I had always hoped Mama was able to view in me.  They helped bring another chapter of my own life to a nice close. Bidding farewell to a lovely lady who helped impact the life of my own mother, our family in such a positive manner. Elated in knowing that the home on Frazier street is still experiencing good times, making fond memories and being hosted with love; good times being paid forward as it remains in our family. Thanks to Ms. Osborn for giving us that one chance of a lifetime. Through love and kindness, rest in peace dear friend of mine.

One Year Anniversary: A Sad Reflection of A Heart-breaking Event: Remembering Mama One Year Since She Passed Away!:

Remembering Mama on the one year anniversary of the day she passed away!

All I can write down (all I can muster on this solemn day) is that we all miss you,

love you and think of you often.  

As soon as I am stronger in a few days or such, 

I promise to pay better tribute to you, Mama.

For now please forgive me if I cut this remembrance post short
for my heart is too full of ache and words escape me as I dare try to describe 
how your loss has affected me...all of us.

Just know that your daughters (and respective children, etc...)
will be together later on this day

to remember you just like the close-knit family you wanted us 
to remain after you passed; we are all working hard on that.

We love you so very much...words fail to say how much.

Be with us in spirit always, Mama, as you have been in our hearts and thoughts! 

In Memory of Locario "Lucky" N. Perez: Aug. 13, 1923 to Sept 01, 2012!

HAPPIER TIMES WITH MAMA!

We are going to miss him. 

It seems like just yesterday when I met Lucky. 

I remember we (Mama, Sara, Josie and Alex) all rode to Ulysses, KS 

to take Mama to visit him and her sisters. 

We stayed with Tia Juana and her family; that was over 12 years ago. 

He was so funny and witty - his stories always had us in stitches; 

Mama often thought differently, but we knew how she really felt.

I miss their funny disagreements!

We will miss them both and stories they shared about their youth in south Texas (el Valle).

I remember all the fun trips Sara and I made with them to Beeville, George West, 

Three Rivers, San Antonio, Odessa, Lubbock,  and a few to Ulysses, etc...

Mama met Lucky (they courted for a while) before she met Papi 

but Papi beat him to the punch and married her.

Lucky had a love for music (i.e. norteña and/or conjunto type and such) and jokes.

 And who can forget his love of going shopping at Wally World.

R.I.P. Lucky!

In Memory of Jabier's brother, Aristeo M. Hernandez: Rest in peace.

Aristeo M. Hernandez
Sept. 3, 1930 - July 30, 2012

...REST IN PEACE! 
(for Myers and Smith announcement click on picture above)
Big Spring Herald announcement (click here): 

In Memory of Jabier's brother, Jose M. Hernandez: Rest in peace.

Jose "Chepe" Marquez Hernandez
Aug. 27, 1928 - March 23, 2012

 

...REST IN PEACE! 
(for Myers and Smith announcement click on picture above)
Big Spring Herald announcement (click here): 

In Memory of Billy's sister, Marie Lopez: Rest in peace.

Marie Lopez
May 15, 1946 - February 15, 2012

...REST IN PEACE!

(for Nalley-Pickle & Welch announcement click on picture above)
Big Spring Herald announcement (click here):

DOMINGUEZ: Thank you to all for your kindness!

(click on card for clearer view or read message below in regular type...thanks)

Dear family and friends ,
We would like to “THANK-YOU " for taking time to sign the
online guest book .
To acknowledge your act of kindness during this very sad and difficult time - it meant so much to each of us .
Your words were very much appreciated - each message cherished .
We would also like to take time to express our gratitude to those who sent flowers, food, beverages, paper goods, etc...
It was so awesome to see that so many cared and that old-world traditions are still very much alive and well .
With much gratitude ...God's blessings to each and every one of you.!
*********
Aurora Dominguez and family;
John Jay Flores and Michelle Martinez
*****
Betty Dominguez-Gamboa (Billy Pineda) and family;
Gilbert Gamboa and Rodolfo Gamboa
*****
Rodolfo Dominguez Jr (Yolanda Gonzales-Dominguez) and family;
Rodolfo Dominguez III, Christopher Dominguez and Jacob Dominguez
*****
Josie Dominguez-Hernandez (Jabier Hernandez) and family;
Alexandra Hernandez
*****
Eva Dominguez-Guzman (Philip Guzman Sr) and family;
Erica Guzman-Puentes and Felicia Guzman
*****

Dora Dominguez (Sara Ornelas) and family

Eva "Evita" Moreno-Dominguez: Updates halted for a while in memory of Mama!

(Postings will be halted and the music silenced for a while out of respect)

It's been a hectic month and right smack in the middle of things, it managed to come to a crashing halt as we lost our dear beloved Mama last Thursday (11-17-11).

For obvious reasons, I was unable to create and upload our family calendar for November. I did update our family blog with birthday tags through this date and intend to update data for the month ASAP as more strength finds its way back to me and my spirit starts to heal. My knack for writing continues but finds it needs to be placed on hold until inspiration once again fills my cup to share on this blog. If anyone wants to share stories and/or pictures for a tribute, ideas are welcome.

Rest-in-peace, Mama!

Myers and Smith Tribute/Guest Book
Big Spring Herald announcement
My West Texas (MRT) announcement

Dominguez: My Letter to Mama (unedited).

First of all, "Thanks Sara", for finding a way to maintain your composure

as you read this letter for me during Mama's graveside service today.(NOTE: please click on pic of mother/daughter figurine above to read letter)