Oralia Catarina Franco, 86, a longtime resident of Waco, but most recently of the Houston area, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2017, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle against Alzheimer’s.
Visitation: Friday, October 20th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco
Celebration of Life: Saturday, October 21st at 10:00AM in The Chapel at Lake Shore Funeral Home in Waco
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery
Oralia was the fourth of ten children born to the late Fernando and Juanita Martinez Franco, May 15, 1931 in Port Isabel, Texas and later moved to Waco Texas. Oralia was a self-taught beautician and worked in various occupations over the years. Oralia had a deep love of family gatherings which brought her great joy and somehow singing and dancing was always a result of the gathering. Oralia was very friendly, always having a smile and a “hello” for anyone she encountered. She was very involved within her community and even joined a neighbor watch program, where she received a special recognition from the Waco Police Department for her work in her own neighborhood.
Oralia was preceded in death by her parents, Fernando and Juanita Franco; three sisters, Frances, Carmen and Ophelia; and her four brothers, Manuel, Benny, Louis, and Mike.
Oralia leaves to cherish her memory her five children, Mary Christine Alcaraz-Leija, Adam Alcaraz, Richard Alcaraz, Robert Alcaraz, Cynthia Fields and two brothers, Jesse Franco and Roy Franco, 19 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson; along with numerous other loving family and friends.
Contact Information:
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
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My sister Oralia (we called her Gloria) was ambitious and self driven. She was beautiful in looks as well as friendly and extremely caring. She encourged progress. She despised idleness and self pity. She loved children no matter their race or beliefs. She loved to sing and dance. We held a close bond. I was with her when the right front wheel fell off while driving dad’s 32 Plymouth 2 door coup. Years later we were driving her freshly washed 39 Desoto and drove off the road and landed the car on its side. No one was injured. (That car went on to knock over a gas pump in Corpus Christi. Oralia was not the driver.)
My sister had a beautiful life. She definitely made a difference on this world. I loved her and she will always hold her dear in my heart. I love you sweetie . Jesus
Unfortunately I never had the pleasure to get to know my aunt Oralia, I heard lots about her loving to dance and sing, wish I would have had that opportunity because I also love to sing and dance but didn’t know from who I got that from, sending my condolences to my cousins in Texas, sorry for your loss.