Yolanda "Yolie" Lamar Haring, 75, passed away on Friday, October 22nd, at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio. Complications from surgery led to her death. Yolie was born in Edinburg on November 3rd, 1945 and grew up on "the Ranch" in San Manuel.
Yolie graduated from Edinburg High School in 1964 and from Pan American College in 1968. She earned a Master's degree in Bilingual Education from Texas A&I University in 1974. Yolie was an elementary school teacher for 33 years, and enjoyed teaching kindergarten for Mission CISD.
Yolie is survived by her husband of 52 years, Peter Haring of San Antonio; sons Michael Haring (Christi) of Dallas and Greg Haring (Erica) of Austin; sisters Aida Zamora (Andres) of Edinburg and Olga Mata (Juan) of Weslaco and a bevy of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and loving friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, Jose Perez and Leonor Mejia Perez, and two brothers, Noe Perez and Jose "Joe" H. Perez.
Yolie and Pete met at a party in Donna, Texas in 1968, and it was love at first sight (at least for him). They partied and later watched the classic movie Dr. Strangelove on a 20 inch black and white TV. Yolie and Pete were married at St. Anne's Catholic Church in San Manuel on May 31, 1969 and honeymooned on exotic South Padre Island.
Her love for family was marked by endless support and tongue in cheek humor. A breast cancer survivor, Yolie's inner strength carried her and her family through tough times, and her laid back attitude brought them many smiles and laughs. She had a free spirit and curiosity for the world that made life more fun and interesting for those around her.
Yolie rooted for her favorite sports teams, especially when they were winning! She followed the Spurs, Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys with zeal. She had a winning attitude and enjoyed playing the slots in Coushatta and most recently with her family in Lake Tahoe. In her quiet time, she could be found mulling over a 3000 piece puzzle on her dining room table or a daily puzzle in the paper.
Yolie's green-thumb and passion for gardening was evident in the lush yard she cultivated at home. She enjoyed the many birds, butterflies and squirrels that flocked to enjoy the peaceful space she created.
Her Catholic faith and regular prayers brought her comfort and gave her an unbeatable optimism for life that was a hallmark of her attitude and how Yolie will be remembered.
Yolanda Haring will be laid to rest at El Rucio Cemetery in San Manuel.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.