Olga (Marina) Damants Samudio

June 20, 1927 – March 31, 2026

Olga was born in San Antonio, Texas on June 20, 1927, to Evangelo and Rafaela Damants. She was very proud and happy to talk about her heritage, her father from Greece and her mother from Monterrey Mexico, neither of which spoke the other's language. Her happiest times were when she lived at home with her 4 sisters, 3 brothers and mom and dad.  Her love for God and her family was central to who she was.  There was never a day in her life when she didn't call or see family when possible or ask about them and how they were.

She was a proud graduate of San Fernando Elementary and High School providing her a strong Catholic foundation.  She then went on to finish 2 years of business school.  She worked for a short time before marrying, as a legal stenographer.  In 1952 she married Albert Samudio and happily became a homemaker.  In 1954 she gave birth to her only daughter, Leticia. She devoted her life to making a well-decorated comfortable home and making sure we had whatever we needed.  Her cooking and baking skills were well known throughout the family.

Once her daughter had graduated college and began working, she found a new career that she really loved – retail fashion sales.  She was always the best dressed in any crowd – matching jewelry, purses, shoes, and always kept a model's figure.  Clothes were her thing and selling and meeting customers made her happy.  That happiness showed in her many awards for top sales associate while at Frost Brothers.  She eventually retired once her favorite store, Frost Brothers, closed.

Retirement was hard on her, needing to find fulfillment in her life.  Illnesses in the family brought out her compassionate caregiving skills, helping those who needed her attention.  She seemed to have a medical encyclopedia always at hand to provide advice on whatever illness friends or family appeared to have.  She was a strong support when needed and had a never give up attitude when faced with bad news.  She was the smartest, strongest, most strong-willed, loving, and beautiful woman I've ever known.

Olga was pre-deceased by her parents; husband Albert, brothers Rudolfo Orta, Joe Diamante, and Nick Damants; sisters Magdalena Damants, Anita Pennington, Sophie D Valdez, and Martha D Gonzales; nephew Michael Valdez; and niece Nelda Etheredge.

Olga is survived by daughter, Letty Samudio, nieces: Sandra Garcia (Leroy), Mary Martinez, Olivia Rodriguez, Alice Orta, Rachel Shea, Terry Ramirez (Tony), and Rebecca Contreras; nephews Joe Gonzales, Evangelo Gonzales, Chris Gonzales (Andrea), and Rene Diamante.

We would like to thank her at home caregivers for their love and help – Maria, Alayah, Nurat, Donita, and Priscilla. Thanks also to the Waterford at Shavano for their care during her last few months -Esther, Letty, Mercedes, Emily, YaYa and the nursing staff. Special thanks to Dr. Pedro Calzada who cared for my mom and went above and beyond to make sure she was well cared for.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Funeral Mass will be offered at 11:30am

Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church

223 E Summit  @McCullough

Interment to follow in San Fernando Cemetery #2.

I love you mom -thank you for teaching me everything I know and giving me so much

love- it was always returned. You were/are loved by all your brothers, sisters, father, mother, nieces and nephews, your husband Albert

– and me.

You were my greatest blessing.

You are now SAFE AND WELL in heaven.