Angela Balbuena

On June 21st, 2022, our beloved Angela Michaella Balbuena passed away in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 50.

Angela was born in Lubbock, Texas on August, 6th 1971 to Graciano and Mary Balbuena. She was the youngest of their 6 children, and the most fabulous.

At a young age, Angela knew she was different. Angela was a trans woman, and was damn proud of it. In her early 20s, Angela longed to be in a community that was safe and more accepting of who she was, so she moved from Lubbock to Austin. She finally felt happy and was able to live in her truth and be who she was always meant to be, Angela. She fell in love with the city and worked at Roy’s Taxi as a driver until it was later sold. To say she marched to the beat of her own drum is an understatement, she had the whole damn band behind her taking requests. She was wise, passionate, intelligent, spiritual, and loved so deeply. She had the most fun, gave the best advice, and her omelettes were famous. Despite not always having the support system she deserved, she held no ill will, she always held space in her heart and love above all else. She was such a forgiving, beautiful soul and we are devastated to have lost her.

Angela is survived by her sister Ana Marie Marquez; her daughters Ana Lehnert, Alyssia Marquez, Asa Pennington, and Amanda Mora; and her other sisters Manuela Ertmer; her children Issac Madrid Jr, Matthew Ertmer, and Heather Ertmer; Toribia Alonzo; and her daughters Melissa Balbuena, and Taylor Tullis; her oldest sister Rosemary Swain and her only brother Vicente Balbuena; and his daughter Amy Encarnacion. She is also survived by 36 great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Graciano and Mary Balbuena.

Per Angela’s wishes, there will be no service. She will be cremated and her ashes scattered at an undisclosed location, as we do not want to be arrested. If any cops are reading this, just kidding. But not really, good luck finding us. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you plant a tree in her name, or help advocate and donate at your local trans lives organization. Love is love, trans is beautiful. We are so lucky to have had Angela in our lives and we will miss her forever.