Lena May (Evans) Core

Mother was born in Raymondville, Texas to Walter Dominic (Dom) Evans and Dolores (Lola) Currie. She was the second of three children.

Family and Friends, these two words sum up Mother’s life.

Mother grew up in the depression era South Texas ranch culture. Her father and her uncles worked on the large ranches well known in South Texas. While fathers had to be away on the remote ranches their families lived in town so the children could attend school. Lena, her brother and sister and her many cousins were raised almost as one family. They all became as close as siblings and remained so throughout their lives.

I was probably 9 or 10 years old before I realized that Aunt Grace, Aunt Stella (Little Stella), Aunt Anna, Uncle Bobby, and Aunt Kathleen were actually mother’s cousins. I can’t go further without mentioning Mother’s aunts who were always a big part of our family, Aunt Stella and Aunt Lillie.

Mother’s life was woven into the fabric of family. She was so very close to her father, known in our family as Daddy Dom, and her mother, Moma Lola. She cherished her sister Margaret and idolized her brother Billy.

She cherished her visits with her grandchildren. Sharing old stories, recipes, and an occasional glass of wine. Don’t forget the ice.

Mother’s love of family naturally blossomed into a love for people. She always loved to interact with others, developing lifelong friendships. She made friends easily and clung to them as valuable gifts. She loved to be involved with people and mingle her life with theirs. Doing for others was effortless for her.

She started and prospered in two businesses that involved pleasing people, a hair salon, and a restaurant. She enjoyed pleasing her customers and they enjoyed her service. The Riviera Inn was well known and people traveled to indulge in her Mexican food and chicken fried steak.

She always worked where she could be involved with people.

After retiring, well into her 70’s, Mother became involved with the American Legion and the Elks Lodge. She loved meeting new people and gaining new friends. She loved being involved and volunteered wherever she was needed.

The Elks Lodge became her favorite place to be in her later years. She made many great friends and was recognized for her contributions to the organization. She was particularly well known for her cooking. When in the kitchen, she was the boss. I know my family will miss her enchiladas, calabaza con pollo and “Monday-night-special.” Oh, and a burnt tortilla. (inside joke)

We will remember her for her friendliness, good nature, and devotion to her family and friends. Oh, and for her singing. Mother loved music and loved to perform. We will miss her rendition of Jalisco.

Mother was predeceased by her parents, brother Billy Evans, sister Margaret (Doug) Core, son Mark (Melissa) Smith, and granddaughter Stephanie Smith.

She is survived by her daughter Stacey Core, her sons Tim Smith, William (Carrie) Smith, Garry (Debbie) Smith, Dom (Melinda) Smith, grandchildren Adrienne (Boyd) Decker, Kasey (Jim) Brooks, Leah (Nick) Findlow, Cody Smith, April Ochoa, Allison (Marty) Gerwick, Matt (Denise) Smith, Kristin (Derek) Asuan-O’Brien, Marc Smith, Thomas Smith, Walter Smith, Meghan Smith, 17 great grandchildren, and 4 great, great grandchildren.