Jaoquina Weaver

Eulogy written by her children:

Joaquina Galvan Weaver went by many names. We called her mother, mama, nana, granny, Tia J, great grandmother, friend, and sister in Christ, but no matter who spoke her name, they said it with love. And no matter who walked in her home, she always had love in her heart for them… And food!

Her children and grandchildren will tell you that Joaquina always found a way to provide in the hardest times, and she never failed to put her family's needs before her own. One way she shared her love was through her cooking. She made fresh tortillas, arroz con pollo, frijoles, fideo, enchiladas, menudo, and tamales to share with anyone in need. At times, homeless strangers would approach her door and Joaquina never let them go hungry, even when she had little to give. Despite working two or more jobs at a time, the children always had home cooked meals to bring to school…and mother's cooking was coveted by the all the other students. Her tortillas and beans would be traded for Little Debbie's, and her tamales were so delicious she sold them all over town.

All her life and in everything she did, Joaquina had a servant's heart. As a teen, she left high school to care for her brother who was injured in the military. Later, her work included cleaning and serving food in schools and medical facilities, nursing the sick at Bastrop Memorial Hospital, and providing occupational therapy to the disabled, all while ironing and pressing clothing late at night for extra income. Working day and night, Joaquina still managed to raise 7 children, take time every day for devotion, and spend time with her friends.

She played on a softball team, was a lifelong sports fan, and she loved cheering for her children and grandchildren whether they were playing football, softball, track, or volleyball. Joaquina's support of the Aggies despite the family's overwhelming support for the Longhorn's was her only good natured act of disloyalty, and the family loved her for her sense of humor and her strong streak of stubborn independence. That commitment to family remained constant even as she had great-grandchildren. Joaquina always remembered birthdays, attended school functions with pride, and regularly sent letters of love and care packages to her family members serving our country abroad. She cared for all children as though they were her own, and she filled the role of mother for many whenever they needed love or any kind of help.

Joaquina had a warm sense of humor and she loved laughing with her family and friends. Those who have had the good fortune to see her joke with her brothers and sisters know how she could cut loose. What a joy it was to hear her laugh. Joaquina once received a new pair of dentures and they were a little painful, so she removed them and placed them on the bench. She later went to put them back on, only to find the dog wearing them. Moments like that - when we laughed with Joaquina so hard we nearly cried - those are the moments we will draw upon and smile when our hearts break in her absence.
But we know she is smiling on us now. Joaquina would want us to celebrate her final reunion with Jesus in Heaven. While she was a servant to all who knew her on earth - family, friends, country, and strangers, always putting others needs before her own - she was a servant to GOD first and foremost and did all in his name.

And while she is no longer with us in body, Joaquina leaves us all with an undying legacy of faith, love, grace, forgiveness, and compassion.

We honor her here, one final time, with words she always left us with - Dios te bendigas, Joaquina.