Alicia (Alice) Besa Gamez

Alicia (“Alice”) Besa Gamez was born on January 4, 1931 in Eagle Pass, Texas to her loving parents, Andres Besa and Teresa Guerra-Besa. She passed into the arms of Our Lord on February 22, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was the oldest of nine children, six sisters and three brothers.

When Alicia was nine years old she moved to San Antonio, Texas with her family, which was where she was proud to call home for the next eighty-four years. She went on to graduate high school and held several positions at local military bases including her work at Kelly Air Force Base and Fort Sam Houston, where she served on the draft board.

In 1956 Alicia married the love of her life, a sailor named Charles Gamez at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in San Antonio. The couple joyfully welcomed three beautiful children into their family and later grandchildren and great grandchildren. Alicia’s joy was her family.  Alicia is survived by her three children Brenda Gamez Gonzales and her husband Robert Gonzales, Kathleen Villanueva and her husband Thomas Villanueva, Charles Russel Gamez and his wife Judith Gamez; her grandchildren Philip Macias and fiancé Mary Jo Briseño, Celeste Macias, Olivia Funes and husband Robert Funes, Michael Villanueva, Charles Matthew Gamez and wife Chandler Grulli, and Stephen Gamez; and her great grandchildren Armando (Trey) Gatica, Jude Funes, Gianna Funes, Josephine Funes, Wyatt Grulli, and Russell Joseph Gamez; her siblings Paula  Besa, Angie Wilson, Mary Lorea, Terry Barbosa, Andy Besa, Eloise B Sanchez; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and great friends.

Alicia was preceded in death by her parents  Andres Besa and Teresa Guerra-Besa, husband Charles Gamez, and siblings Arturo Besa (her twin), and Frank Besa.

Alicia led a full life. Her love for God was evident and spilled over onto the people around her. She loved being involved with her church, St. Leonards, where she served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, Pastoral Council President, Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary 7808 member, Festival Committee member, 50th Anniversary Committee member, and member of her neighborhood prayer group. She took joy in the arts and creating beautiful things with her hands. Many of her paintings can still be found in the homes of her children. She also loved to laugh. Quick with a joke or funny anecdote, Alicia’s delight for life was infectious.

The Gamez family would like to thank the religious sisters, doctors, nurses and staff at St. Francis nursing home for their care of Alicia. Thank you for loving and caring for her with compassion and dignity. 

We are grateful to you.