Catherine Olivares

Catherine Mary Olivares, age 85, passed away on November 23, 2022, in Houston, Texas. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she was with her children when she passed peacefully. She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Margaret Power, her brothers Thomas, Edward, and Gerald Power, and by her sisters Ellen Gough and Margaret Langer. She is also preceded in death by her husband Victor Garza Olivares and by her first husband, LtC. Chester Lee Meaux. She is survived by her sister Jane Rogers and by her brothers John and Michael Power. She is also survived by her four children, David Meaux, Beverly Cole, Colleen Cessna and Charles “Chuck” Meaux, and by her stepsons Lawrence, Rene and Ricardo Olivares. Catherine was blessed with ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Catherine was born November 12th, 1937, in St.Johns, Newfoundland, Canada, to Thomas and Margaret Power. Known as “Molly” to her friends and family in Newfoundland, she was educated in the St.Patrick’s all girl Catholic school in St.Johns. At a young age, Catherine was recognized for her talent as a singer and as an artist. At age 7 she made a recording at a local music studio with her sister Nellie where they sang the popular Irish pop song “A Mothers Love is a Blessing”. Catherine was also self-taught on piano and organ. A very outgoing young lady, Catherine loved to draw, dance, and sing, had a keen eye for style and grace, and also had a green thumb. Catherine caught the attention of a young American Air Force serviceman, Chester “Chet” Meaux, who was stationed at the local U.S. airbase in St.Johns. Catherine and Chet were married and gave birth to their first son, David, in St.Johns. However, within a few short weeks, her new husband was transferred back to the states. With new baby in tow, Catherine left her home and family in Canada and assumed the life of an American military wife. She was blessed with three additional children, Beverly, Colleen, and Chuck, all born on various air bases around the U.S. The stress of military life, overseas tours and the Vietnam war proved too much to bear, and Catherine and Chet’s marriage ultimately ended. In San Antonio, Texas, near an air base, she met her beloved life partner and second husband, Victor Olivares. Her life would change significantly to one of greater stability and predictability. Catherine and Victor would eventually move to Houston where they spent the next 45 years together in happy marriage until Victor’s unfortunate passing in 2018. Catherine’s ultimate devotion and dedication was to her children and grandchildren. She gave her children many years and many memories of family holidays, filled with the smell of gourmet home cooking, a house decorated with her arts and crafts, and one filled with lots of love. There was no prettier garden than in Mom’s back yard. She set the ultimate example of what it meant to be ‘Good’. We will miss her always. Although You’re Gone By: Shannon Walker Although you’re gone, I’m not alone, And never shall I be, For the precious memories of the bond we shared Will never depart from me. Our love surpassed the ups and downs And helped us along the way, And that same love will give me strength To manage this loss each day. On my mind and in my heart, Mom, you shall forever be, For just as much as I am a part of you, You are a part of me! Adaptation from ‘The Magic of a Grandmother’ Author Unknown There’s magic in a Nanny’s touch, and sunshine in her smile. There’s love in everything she does to make our lives worthwhile. We can find both hope and courage Just by looking in her eyes. Her laughter is a source of joy, her works are warm and wise. There is a kindness and compassion to be found in her embrace, and shining down from Heaven above we see the glow of Nanny’s face.

Catherine Olivares

November 12, 1937 - November 23, 2022