Hortencia H Calle

Hortencia H. Calle, fondly known as "Tencha" among friends and family, has officially left the building. We're sad to see her go, but we're sure the angels are already rolling in the aisles. Born on a sunny day of July 19, 1937, in Delmita, Texas, she decided to take a bow on November 6, 2023, in Edinburg, Texas, after a sensational performance of 86 years.

Graduating from San Isidro I.S.D. in 1956, Tencha was a woman of all trades. Her resume was so varied, it looked like she couldn't make up her mind! From working as a teacher aid to a secretary, from cooking up a storm in the kitchen to ensuring the school premises were sparkling clean, she devoted 23 years to the San Isidro I.S.D. And boy, did she love her job!

A woman of boundless energy and infectious humor, Tencha had a love for life that lit up like a firecracker. She was the life and soul of every gathering, a one-woman fiesta. Tencha had a passion for the finer things in life - sewing, cooking, crafting, and most notably, her obsession with "Exatlon," which she never missed. It was her guilty pleasure, and she wasn't afraid to admit it. 

Tencha is survived by a loving, extended, and ever-growing family. Her daughters Elizabeth (Antonio) Gamez, Norma (David) Valdez, and bonus son Jovane Casas are left to carry on her legacy. 

She welcomed anyone in need into her home, always ready with a warm meal and an even warmer smile. She was a wonderful combination of loving, funny, and wise, and wise, and she passed those values on to her 9 grandchildren. David (Astrid) Valdez, Andrew Valdez, Diana Valdez, Jesse (Itzayana) Valdez, Michael (Aimee) Valdez, Marco (Guadalupe) Gamez, Joshua (Esmeralda) Rojas, Ruben (Aisha) Gamez, Monzerath Gamez, whom she doted on. She helped them with their homework, taught them life values, and occasionally got after them when they misbehaved. But let's face it, wo wouldn't love a grandma like Tencha?

If that isn't enough, she's got a bunch of great-grand-cherubs, Jayla Millan, Ryan Millan, Sophia Millan, Jacob Millan, Francisco Gamez, David E. Valdez, Mateo Valdez, Arely Valdez, Levi Gamez, Kobe Valdez. Tencha also raised her nieces Jaine (Rene) Valdez, Rosabel Hernandez and her nephew Frankie Hernandez who will undoubtedly pass down the many hilarious stories she was famous for. 

In the words of the great Robin Williams, "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." Well, Tencha definitely had more than a little spark. She was veritable bonfire of joy and mischief, of wisdom and laughter, and she surely took that spark with her.

So here's to Hortencia H. Calle, to "Tencha," the woman who made every day a comedy show. She's left this stage, but we're sure she's already taking center stage somewhere else, making the angels laugh too. Thanks for the memories, Tencha. You did indeed have the last laugh.

Visitations will be held from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Rivera Funeral Home of Mission with a Holy Rosary being recited at 7:00 pm. Funeral mass will be held at 12:00 pm Friday, November 10, 2023 at San Isidro Catholic Church. Interment to follow at 1:00 pm Friday, November 10, 2023 at Hilario Alvarado Cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rivera Funeral Home of Mission. 

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