Our Mother, the matriarch of the Villanueva family, came to this world on May 5, 1916 and was led to heaven on May 6th, 2003. Throughout her 87 years, Do?a Amelia, as her friends fondly called her, faced hard times, and adversity, but always rose above it with uncommon strength and dignity. Mother helped rear her siblings when she lost her own mother at the young age of 12. She married our father, Leon at the age of 22, and together they reared ten children and one grandson. She and our father imparted upon us their strong work ethics, and reminded us that idol hands led to unfulfilled lives. When our father died in 1968, Mother went out to the workforce, and ultimately retired from the University of Texas. Everyone who has ever met, worked with, or known her is aware of her wisdom, loyalty, compassion, caring and respect for all people. Her acts of compassion for neighbors and friends went beyond preparing ?un caldito?, or ?atolito?, or ?sopa de aroz? for sick neighbors and friends. Our Mother was the ultimate lady, who commanded, gave, and received, respect. She led by example, and like one of the greats, ?She did it her way?. She was strong and independent, until her body became so frail that she no longer could do it herself. Her mind never faltered, in spite of her illness, and her memory was sharpest than most, with many less miles traveled. During her serious illness, her physician provided not only the necessary medications, but also demonstrated enormous compassion. To them, Dr. Abrim Shekarshi and Dr. Seiler, we are eternally grateful. Not only for their discretion and their support for the family, but for their love and understanding. To the nursing staff at Seton Hospital and Hospice Austin, we extend our deepest gratitude. And to our baby sister Lizzy, for the countless deeds she performed in caring for our mother. This care allowed for our mother to die as she lived, with love and dignity. When God took her to join our father, her younger siblings, Bertha Ubias and David Casas, and her special sister-in-law Amelia Casas, she was prepared., Her surviving sister Eva Pe?a and Brother Israel Casas bid their sister goodbye, as did the rest of her family. She left all of us all with priceless memories. Mother was grandma to 38 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. Her older grandsons will accept the honor as pallbearers, and carry her body, with love, pride and admiration, as she carried them and her family throughout her life. We will miss our mother, but will remember her as strong, courageous, kind, considerate, compassionate, loving, classy, hard working, witty, wise, firm, and sometimes stern, but above all, respectful, lady. Thanks for the memories Mom. Until we meet again, for a hot cup of cafecito, y una semita fresca. She is survived by her children; Fellis and Ruben Aleman, Margarita V. de Rodriguez, Manuel C. and Rosita Villanueva, Gloria and Albert Gonzales, Pam and Roy Morgan, Jose and Janie Villanueva, Arthur and Sandra Villanueva, Minerva Villanueva, Estella and Albert Ruiz, Elizabeth Villanueva, Paul and Annette Viilanueva, Recitation of the holy rosary will be on Thursday at 7:00pm at the Mission Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Friday at 2:00pm at Cristo Rey Catholic Church. Franciscan Frairs to officiate. Internment will follow at Assumption Cemetery.