Dora Ines Tovar

With deep faith in God’s eternal promise, we announce the passing of Dora Inés Tovar, who entered peacefully into eternal rest on May 6, 2026, at the age of 97, surrounded by her loving husband, children, and family.

Dora was born on January 28, 1929, in La Mesa, Colombia, to María Antonia and Alfredo Aldana. She was the eldest of five siblings: Leonor, Cecilia, Alfredo, and Matilde. The family later moved to Bogotá, where she met the love of her life, José Antonio Tovar, during a holiday trip in 1955. Their courtship quickly blossomed, and they were married on August 9, 1958. Over the next eight years, they built the foundation of their beautiful union and welcomed four children.

With the hope of creating greater opportunities for themselves and their children, Dora and Antonio made the difficult decision to leave their homeland and immigrate to the United States in 1968. During José Antonio’s medical residency and specialization in anesthesiology in the U.S., Dora and the children traveled back and forth to Colombia until the family permanently settled in Houston in 1970.

In Houston, they formed lasting bonds with other immigrant families who shared similar journeys, creating an extended circle of friendship and support that celebrated countless holidays, milestones, and cherished memories together - a bond that continues to this day. During these years, her Catholic faith deepened profoundly and became a guiding force in her life.

Her greatest joy was caring for her family. Throughout her life, Dora carried herself with grace, wisdom, quiet strength, and unwavering trust in God. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth, comfort, love, prayer, and peace. Even during times of illness and hardship, her faith never faltered. Her enduring faith became the cornerstone of the close-knit family whose love and presence surrounded her in the final chapter of her life.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, José Antonio, with whom she built a life centered on faith, family, and unconditional love. To her children - Mauricio and Alexandra Tovar; Liliana and Luis Lomeli; Magdalena Tovar and Tony Lawrence; and Rodrigo Tovar and Clark Sterner - she was the heart of the family and a source of strength, compassion, wisdom, and unconditional love.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren — Nicolas; Christian; Carina and Daniel; Daniela and David; Julian and Sarah; Lola; Mikey; Scarlette; and Sebastián — brought immense joy and happiness to her life and were among her greatest blessings. She also leaves behind many cherished relatives and dear family friends whose love and companionship enriched her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, María Antonia and Alfredo Aldana, and by her sisters, Leonor Dueñas and Matilde Aldana.

Though our hearts mourn her absence, we find comfort in knowing that she now rests in the presence of the Lord. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may perpetual light shine upon her always.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church, located at 1510 5th Street, Missouri City, Texas. A reception at the Parish Hall will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites prayers or donations in Dora’s memory to either MD Anderson Cancer Center or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

MD Anderson Donations

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Donations