The Story of "Refugia Marez" in"Ben Franklin Elementary" Alamo Texas. Love and Affection she called it!!!!

Picture by Juan Campos 1991 September 6 Article by the Monitor

"Refugia Marez" began to work in Ben Franklin in 1980" legendry

Refugia Marez was employed at Ben Franklin Elementary School in Alamo, Texas, in 1991. Coincidentally, I also attended that school as a child. My aunt gave me an article about this woman who worked at Ben Franklin in 1991. The article states that she applied for the job after seeing a television announcement seeking senior citizens to teach children in a school.

Marez labored in the fields as she and her husband raised nine children. Even with their limited resources, Marez and her husband strived to give their kids a good education.

Ben Franklin Elementary Photo by Cindy Nieto

The article states that Refugia Marez, who was ninety years old, never arrived late for work. Although women like her are considered real-life heroes, we tend to forget them as their stories fade away. I believe that Alamo, Texas, holds many more heroic legacies that remain untold—or perhaps stories deemed unworthy. If they decide not to share them, we will never know.

Ben Franklin Elementary Photo by Britney J Torres

Is it possible that grandchildren might not be aware of this side of their parents. Maybe schools should reintroduce this type of work for the elderly residents of Alamo. The article mentions that Marez worked four hours daily and enjoyed dedicating herself to the children.

Ben Franklin Elementary Photo by Britney J Torres

Despite her admission that she lacked formal education; she claims that the children benefited her love. Love and attention are what everyone needs, no matter the day of the year. She did a fantastic job by giving that to the Ben Franklin children.

She lived in the Texas town of Alamo on Citrus St. My aunt says she knew her quite well. Without my aunt's wonderful story, I wouldn't have known about Alamo's 90-year-old Ben Franklin history.

We are grateful, Mrs. Marez, for inspiring Alamo. We are committed to continuing your legacy in every way possible.

Leaving a Legacy isn't easy but loving and educating is.

Story By Britney J Torres