Cristela Q. Olivares

Cristela Quinones Olivares, affectionately known as Cris, passed away on December 11, 2024, at the age of 97, surrounded by the love and warmth of her family in San Antonio, Texas. Born on August 2, 1927, in Alice, Texas, to Hermino and Panfila Quinones, Cris was a beacon of light and a cornerstone of strength to all who knew her. Cris was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Hazael Rodriguez Olivares; her parents, Herminio and Panfila Quinones; and her siblings, Rosa (Sixto) Garcia, Evangelina (Carlos) Gallegos, Gilberto (Rosa) Quinones, Ruberto Quinones, and Frank (Rebecca) Quinones. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her loving daughters, Melba Yvette (Jerry) Smithwick and Norma Yvonne (Dennis) Henderson; her adoring grandchildren, Jerry (Maria) Smithwick Jr., Kelly Smithwick (Keith) Blaskowsky, Cristian Olivares, Melanie Rodriguez (Pawel Bielecki), Michael (Shawnna) Herrera, and Amy (Nixon) Herrera; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will miss her dearly. Cris was a proud graduate of the Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco School District and furthered her education by attending Del Mar College, where she took business classes. She dedicated 38 years of her life working for the City of Alice Water Department, where she was known for her diligence, integrity, and commitment to service. A lifelong advocate for her community, Cris began volunteering as a Candy Striper at P&S Hospital when she was just 15 years old. Her passion for helping others only grew from there as she became an active volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club. She was also a life-long member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary Post 8621, where she held the position of Secretary for seven years. Her generosity extended to her support of St. Jude Children's Hospital, and she was a devout and active life-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Cris was a pillar of the Alice community, a caring and loving mother who instilled the values of hard work, honesty, and respect in her family. Despite her long and courageous battle with cancer, Cris maintained her strength and great sense of humor. She loved to go line-dancing and was an avid bowler. The best years of her life were spent alongside her husband; together they brought joy to gatherings and parties through singing. They also shared a passion for riding motorcycles; feeling the wind in their hair and the freedom of the open road. Cris will be remembered as a generous soul, a courageous fighter, and a thoughtful human being who touched the lives of many. Her legacy is one of love, laughter, and selflessness, and her absence will be felt by the many hearts she warmed throughout her remarkable life. As we say goodbye to Cristela Quinones Olivares, we are comforted by the memories of her unwavering spirit and the immeasurable impact she had on her family and community. Her life was a testament to the power of kindness and the importance of community service, and her memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her. Cris’ family will receive condolences on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Trevino Funeral Home, 120 E. Front St., from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, December 17, from 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM. A funeral cortege will depart the funeral home at 9:30 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Cemetery.

Honoring Cris as pallbearers are Keith Blaskowsky, Jerry Smithwick Jr., Pete Perez, Chris Perez, David Smithwick, and Addison Smithwick.

To leave your condolences for the family of Cristela “Cris” Quinones Olivares share your memories, or visit her tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.