Ofelia Markovich

Ofelia Markovich

On December 4, 2023, Mrs. Ofelia Markovich (born November 25, 1938), 85, passed away peacefully in her home with her husband Joseph and her 2 children, William and Cecilia, in Bellevue, Nebraska after many years of battling Rheumatoid Arthritis. Ofelia was born in San Benito, Texas and spent all of her younger years in the “Valley.”

Ofelia was a remarkable woman. As a girl, the youngest of 7, she enjoyed the company of her group of girlfriends, who remained in touch throughout their lives. Ofelia and her “soul sister” Mary Alice (Licha) Garcia May picked cotton as youngsters and remained supportive friends, staying in contact until her last days.

Ofelia and Joseph, a navigator in the United States Air Force, had the opportunity to live in 9 states in the U.S., including Alaska, and to travel abroad to Mexico, Greece, England, and Spain. Ultimately, they settled in Bellevue near Offutt Air Force Base where Joe worked and retired.  Joe was the love of her life.

Ofelia taught herself to cook, specializing in family recipes of Mexican food, often gathering friends to make tamales during holidays. She was an avid quilter with dozens of finished quilts and even more decorative and holiday pieces.  She deeply appreciated her friends of her longtime quilting group.  She enjoyed painting, sewing, crafts, and participated in book club. And listening to mariachi music always made her cry tears of joy.

Ofelia started her education journey at San Benito High School in San Benito. Later she pursued attaining a teaching certificate. She began at Merced Community College CA, attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and the College of St. Mary’s where she received her teaching certificate for K-12.  Prior to securing her teaching certificate, she worked for the Omaha Public Schools as a translator and administrative assistant at the OPS “Castle”.  She taught English as a Second Language and special needs children in OPS primarily at Marrs Elementary School in South Omaha, retiring after 14 years of service.  She shared many beautiful stories of her kindergarten students over the years who called her “Maestra, maestra!”

A devout Catholic, Ofelia has found great solace in her faith, attending Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church of Offutt AFB.

The family wishes to thank all of the wonderful, attentive caregivers who have provided assistance to Ofelia and her family over the last few years. She has been well loved and will be sorely missed.

Ofelia is preceded in death by her parents Francisco (Pancho) Saenz Garza and Manuela Cantu Garza, siblings Adan Garza, Aurora Porter, Esmeralda Martinez, Berta Pena, and Guillermo Garza and is survived by her sister Maria Garza Vallejo, husband of 51 years Joseph Anthony Markovich, children Cecilia T. Hardacker (Tonya) and William J. Hardacker, and his 3 children, Cecilia Nicole Hardacker, Francisco Nelson Hardacker, and Olivia Rose Hardacker, 19 nieces and nephews and their families, and five in-laws and their families from the Markovich family, who kindly and lovingly accepted her as part of their family.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your charity of choice.

Visitation: Sunday, December 10, 2023, 5:30-7:00, Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel

Memorial Mass: Monday, December 11, 2023, 10:00 a.m., St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic Church,  12330 S 36^th St, Bellevue, NE 68123

Committal Service: Monday, December 11, 2023, 12:30 p.m., Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Road, Omaha, NE 68138