Ofelia Portales Turner

Ofelia Portales Turner, a vibrant spirit and a remarkable woman, graced this world with her presence on September 19, 1926, in Gonzales, Texas. She was an embodiment of resilience, entrepreneurship, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Ofelia was a pioneer in her own right, embracing the role of an entrepreneur and owning multiple businesses in Gonzales, Texas, where she resided until young adulthood. She also embraced the role of being a guardian to her 14 year old sister and 12 year old brother after their parents had passed. She then moved to San Antonio, Texas, making this her home for the majority of her life.  Her life was a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the pursuit of dreams, even against all odds.

Ofelia's accomplishments were many, but they were merely the backdrop to her most admired qualities. She was a woman of great strength and character, always rising to the occasion, whether it was in the face of personal adversity or professional challenges. Ofelia's entrepreneurial spirit was visible in every aspect of her life, from her role as a loving sister and dutiful daughter to her remarkable career as an entrepreneur. It was this spirit that led her to become a beacon of inspiration for many. Ofelia was a woman of substance, courage, and a burning passion for life, which she passed on to everyone she encountered.

She is preceded in death by her beloved spouse, Karl Turner, and her parents, Jose and Cornelia Portales, as well as her siblings, Lupe Valdez, Joe Portales, Andres Portales, Josephine Ramirez, and Consuelo Flores.

Ofelia is survived by her loving siblings, Carlos Portales, Rachel Cantu, and Becky Portales.  She is survived by many loving nieces and nephews including her caregiver Casandra Caceres who regarded Ofelia as her role model, affectionately referred to her as Mama OP, advocated for her health and needs, and lovingly took care of her during the last 6 years of her illness. Her legacy remains alive in the hearts of her surviving relatives and the countless lives she touched with her vibrant spirit and unyielding determination.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gonzales, Texas with Father Jason Martini officiating. The services will begin with a visitation at 8:30 am, a rosary to be held at 9:30 am, and the funeral mass at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at St. James Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Moreno, John Cantu, Andrew Cantu, Chris Caceres, Art Cacares, Charles Portales, Richard Portales, Charles J. Portales, and Charles M. Portales.

Honorary pallbearers will be Joseph Portales, Will Portales, James Portales, and Armando Caceres.

We invite you to join us in commemorating Ofelia's remarkable journey. Please feel free to share your personal memories, stories, and photos of Ofelia on her memorial page. Your contributions will serve as a lasting tribute to a woman whose life was a symphony of love, strength, and entrepreneurship.