ORALIA BANDY
09/03/1938 - 09/08/2022
Oralia “Lali” Aranda Bandy was a caring wife, sister, aunt, and friend. She left this world for higher ground on September 8, 2022 in the comfort of her home.
She was born to Rafael and Petra Aranda on September 3, 1938 in McAllen, TX. After graduating from high school, Lali left McAllen to be with her older sister Mila Martinez, Mila’s husband Gus, and their two young daughters when Gus was stationed at Lakeland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. The next stop in Gus’s career took them to Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO.
Lali eventually moved back to McAllen, and after a stay in New York City, moved to Houston, where in 1978 she met her husband, William “Bill” Bandy.
Lali worked in Houston at Hidden Valley Elementary School as a teacher’s aide for special needs children and in English as a Second Language classes. After retirement in 1995, she worked as a substitute for a period of time. Lali was a tireless worker who had a gift of connecting with young children, especially special needs kids. She brought home many notes and gifts she received from appreciative kids and their parents, thanking her for the extra effort and attention she gave.
Lali was a talented cook who loved spending time in her kitchen creating delicious meals, many her own creations. Among her favorite activities and interests were spending time with family and friends; all animals, but especially cats and dogs; astrology; dancing and music; playing cards and games; fishing; going to the beach; and hunting for additions to her many collections.
Lali was a quiet and observant person and a sincere listener. She loved the Catholic Church which was the foundation of her faith and inner peace. She was also a free spirit who set her own boundaries. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Lali was preceded in death by her sister “Mila” Martinez, and her brother Julio Aranda. She is survived by her husband Bill Bandy; brothers Rafael Aranda and Gilbert Aranda; sisters Minnie Longoria and Margaret Saenz, and many nieces and nephews.
Services are scheduled on Friday, October 7, 2022 at
St. Theresa Catholic Church located in Memorial Park, 6622 Haskell St., Houston, TX: Visitation will be from 8:30 am – 9:30 am followed by a Rosary at 9:30 am with the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am followed by a reception from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm in the Church Hall. For those unable to attend, a livestream of her services can be viewed live or at a later date at: http://www. sttheresa.cc/funeralstream.