Irmgard Bermea

Irmgard Speicher Bermea reached her final journey to be with her eternal Father, Lord, and Savior in Heaven. She was well known by all who knew her as Mama. She was a loving, wonderful, caring lady - a friend to everyone. Mama was a beautiful person - attractive, intelligent, and friendly. She made us laugh, sewed beautiful things for us, and cooked great meals. We vividly remember how we all eagerly awaited holidays with Mama and Papa. Not only eager to see them, but also for that delicious German cooking. This was not time for tacos, even though we love them, but for sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuits, salad, ham, roast, wine, and tea. We were so fortunate to have such a beautiful, joyful, and talented Mama.
Mama was born on the 19th of August 1925. She was the second of four children born to Karl and Klara Speicher. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Johann, Karl Heinz, and Greta. She is survived by her husband, Gilbert C. Bermea, her son Gilbert S. Bermea II and wife Sulema Bermea, her daughter Sonja Bermea Reyes and husband Pat Reyes, and her son Randy C. Bermea. Grandchildren Cheryl Bermea Cantu, Jennifer Bermea Sierra, Leslie Reyes Montez, Erika Reyes Mirelez, Patty Reyes, J.B. Reyes, Stephanie Reyes Raben, Nicole Bermea Liebau, Ariana Bermea, Randy Bermea II, and Gilbert Bermea III. She is also survived by her eleven great grandchildren.
Mama attended Catholic schools as a young lady, and she was very active in sports. She especially enjoyed swimming and gymnastics, and later encouraged her children and grandchildren to become involved in sports. Upon completion of public school, her goal of becoming a fashion designer was interrupted by World War II. Fortunately, she later achieved her goal, and became a fashion designer.
Mama was from the Saar Region in the city of Fraulautern, which is known as a highly industrious, coal-mining area. During World War II, the Allies targeted this area as they continued towards the heart of Germany. This part of Germany was bombed, to clear the area as the US Army moved inland. Her parent's home and many others were completely destroyed, along with their possessions. The much-discussed Siegfried Line was within reach of their town. It consisted of huge steel bunkers imbedded deep in the ground equipped with armaments and provisions. Upon hearing sirens, people would grab whatever they could, and run to the bunkers for their protection. At times there was strafing, and on one occasion Mama was unfortunately wounded by shrapnel on her right leg.
Mama was a war bride, having married her husband, Gilbert C. Bermea, in 1945 right after World War II in Germany. Her first son, Gilbert, and daughter, Sonja, were born in Germany. Their exposure to the German culture lasted until 1951, when they immigrated to Texas. Later on, their third child Randy was born in Texas.
Mama was one of the pioneers involved in the opening of the Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company in Uvalde, where she worked for almost thirty years. She was a supervisor and eventually became acquainted with the Spanish language as most of the ladies spoke Spanish. She was a well-respected leader and admired by her co-workers. Once retired, her younger son Randy suggested she take one of his three part-time jobs. She accepted employment with K-Mart, and worked part-time for a week. Her manager observed her work ethic and performance, and offered her a full-time job, which she accepted. She was selected as Employee of the Year on two occasions.
Mama always emphasized to her children that education is a noble profession, as it helps people accomplish their mission in life. Her husband is a retired educator, and her three children are currently educators. Many of her grandchildren are also involved with education. Due to her untiring efforts, we shall continue to mentor our family to become good, productive citizens. Mama's legacy will live on within us. Our promise to her is we will look forward to the future with optimism and the values she instilled upon us will prevail.
Pallbearers are Randy Bermea II, Gilbert Bermea III, J.B. Reyes, Matthew Cantu, Luke Cantu, and Anthony Cantu. Honorary pallbearers are Celestino Alejandro, Joe Barker, Mike Mirelez, Silvestre Orona, and Arturo Bermea. A rosary will be held on Monday, February 9th and Tuesday, February 10th at 7 pm at Rushing, Estes Knowles Mortuary in Uvalde. A funeral mass will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday February 11th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Uvalde.
Wir lieben dich Mama, un werde dich nie vergessen.

Visitation

RushingEstesKnowles Mortuary
220 S. Getty St.
Uvalde, TX  78801
Monday, February 9, 2015
12:00 PM

Service

Funeral

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
408 Ft. Clark Rd.
Uvalde, TX  78801
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
2:00 PM

Rosary

RushingEstesKnowles Mortuary
220 S. Getty St.
Uvalde, TX  78801
Monday, February 9, 2015
7:00 PM

Rosary

RushingEstesKnowles Mortuary
220 S. Getty St.
Uvalde, TX  78801
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
7:00 PM

Cemetery

Hillcrest Cemetery
1300 W. Main
Uvalde, TX  78801