Emma Ortega

04/04/1937 ~ 08/30/2014

Emma Ortega, 77, a 3-time Cancer survivor passed away peacefully on August 30, 2014. Emma was Born on April 4, 1937 in El Paso, Texas, and was one of three daughters of Celia Chavez. One of Emma’s greatest qualities was her ability to bring rays of sunshine and smiles to those she touched. With her vivacious disposition and love for life and people, it was often said "she brought every room to life". Emma was truly an inspiration for people and never met a stranger as she became instant friends with everyone she met. No one ever forgot Emma after their first meeting. Her youthful enthusiasm and genuine warmth made each person feel special because to her they were - their families became her family.

Emma and Oscar Ortega met in El Paso and married soon thereafter. They celebrated 60 years of marriage this year and together they had 6 children – Gloria, Oscar Jr., Frank and wife Lucy, Rosalie and Husband Ben, JoAnn, Johnny and wife Margarita. Emma and Oscar successfully owned and ran Jackson Glass Company for almost 20 years before retiring and building their retirement home on the cozy beach of Tenacatita near Manzanillo, Mexico. While Emma’s inner beauty and charisma were recognized constantly, her outer elegance and beauty always ignited up a room. Her true, selfless nature sparkled in every facet of her fruitful life and will be missed but never forgotten. We have been blessed with her God-given charm, joyfulness and presence for 77 years.

She Also leaves her cherished moments to her sisters, Rebecca Escobedo and Lisa Mendina along with 18 grandchildren, Joshua, Stephanie, Amanda, Jason, Leah, Emmalee, Austin, Aaron, Derek, Rebecca, Oscar, Colton, John, Emma Sophia, Rachel, Danny, Jacob and Jonathan and 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation with the Family will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2014 from 3pm until 7pm and a Mass Officiated by Father Ben will begin promptly at 5pm at Compean Funeral Home in the Main Chapel. A gathering will be held after the services and the time and location will be announced at the Funeral Home following the Mass.