It is impossible to describe a lifetime with mere words or capture with a word the impact someone leaves behind. The value of a life is measured by the fruit we bear, by the impact we have made in our jobs, in our families and in our communities.
Raymundo Molina Saudia Jr., passed away on March 1, 2017. He was born on March 4, 1944, in Corpus Christi, Texas to Raymundo and Maria Del Pilar Saudia. He joined the Army at the age of 17, after graduating from West Oso High School. After receiving his Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he spent his life helping others, working with those who could not help themselves. While attending UW, he was instrumental in starting Centro Hispano, which remains as of today a valuable resource for Latinos in Wisconsin. He was proud of his Chicano heritage and that fact greatly influenced his ongoing efforts to encourage his family and community. He started this work when volunteering with Cuban refugees in Fort McCoy, Wisconsin and continued long after he returned to Texas. In 1995, he started his company, America Medical Social Services and dedicated his life to becoming inimitable social worker. He leaves behind a legacy of humor, kindness and continued encouragement to those who knew him to get their college degree or improve their life in other ways. Raymundo was an artist who loved to write poetry and draw; an avid reader and lover of music, he spent hours in bookstores. He was a lover of all things Selena, UW Badgers and Dallas Cowboys, collecting memorabilia and attending as many games as he could. He had a gypsy spirit – always ready to go, to try something new and he has finally found the freedom he always sought. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers; Alberto, George and Roberto Saudia and sisters; Eloisa, Ester and Francis Saudia-Garcia.
He is survived by his brother, Antero Saudia Molina Sr., sister, Victoria Guillen; longtime girlfriend, IrmaTorrez-Garcia; his first wife, Mary, and their children, Ray, Rick, Roy Saudia and Roxanne Saudia-Eureste; his second wife, Theresa and their children, Maya Rudd and Alma Saudia, and many grandchildren, a loving family and truly wonderful friends.
Visitation to honor Raymundo's life will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Guardian Funeral Home in Chapel A from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Rosehill Memorial Park; Friday, March 10, 2017 at 1 p.m. He will finally be reunited with his deceased wife, Elma Gomez-Saudia who will be laid to rest with him on this day.