Olivia Holguin Primera

Olivia Holguin Primera was born May 6, 1930 in Midland, Texas, to parents Sylvestre and Josephina Holguin, then grew up in Imperial, Texas, where she was the princess of the family, claiming she always got what she wanted.  Olivia met husband Jose while working in her first job at the hardware store in Imperial. She said she chose him over another suitor because he asked first, and they married,  and moved to the Midland-Odessa area, where they lived the rest of their lives together.  They were blessed with five daughters and one son. After spending special time with family during the week and weekend, Olivia peacefully closed her eyes as she rested in her bed on the evening of July 13, 2025.

After devoting her life to her young children, once they all were in school, Olivia attended Midland College and graduated with her nursing degree.  She worked at Midland Memorial Hospital in the nursery, loving and caring for the babies and supporting the new mothers until her retirement.  She made such an impact on so many lives, many of the families stayed in touch and announced graduations and weddings of the babies she cared for during her career.  She was a proud nurse to the end, always being willing to care for others.

Family was supremely important to Olivia, and she was blessed not only with six children of her own, but had many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren, each holding a very special place in her heart. Being “Grandma” was her favorite role in life.  In her last days, she believed her children were all with her and she was happy and at peace.  Olivia loved playing bingo and cards, and making the best salsa and homemade enchiladas for anyone who happened to stop by.  There was always a seat at her table, and her extensive family and friendships gave her great joy.

Olivia spent her last years in the Dallas area as a most beloved resident of the Healthcare Resort of Plano, where she continued her love of being with people, playing bingo, and being the queen bee of the Resort.  She loved going to physical therapy, and prided herself that even at age 95, she could ride the exercise bicycle for 20 minutes.  Her 95^th birthday party was attended by more than 70 people – staff and residents and family gathered to celebrate her and to make sure she felt immensely loved and cherished.  She had been waiting for that big day, and once it was over, she intuitively announced she would be “upstairs” for her next birthday.  Olivia was a Catholic and was devoted to the Lord.  She was faithful in her prayers and will always be remembered for praying blessings over every single person as they left her presence.  We rejoice in knowing she is now resting in the presence of Jesus.

Olivia is survived by daughters Linda Primera of Dallas, Patsy Salgado (Gary) of Midland, Dilly Mendoza (Rudy) of Lockhart, son Jose Jr. (Deb) of Frisco, and sister Melin Valenzuela of Odessa, along with 11 of her grandchildren, and all of her great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband Jose, daughters Clarabelle Ramirez and Olga Kovacich, granddaughter Rochelle Ramirez, her parents, brothers, and many other members of the Holguin and Primera families.

Olivia loved birds and enjoyed her years at the Healthcare Resort watching “her” birds outside her window who came to feed in her bird feeders.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to honor Olivia’s love for wildlife, or to your favorite charity.  Donations can be directed to Wings of Love (Bird Haven) in the Dallas area, online at Donations & Payments | Bird Haven, or by calling (214) 674-7995.

Visitation will take place at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Chapel from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Thursday, July 24, 2025, with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm. Funeral mass will take place at 10:00 am, Friday, July 25, 2025 at St. Stephens Catholic Church.  Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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