Ana Maria Laurel has come to her rest in the presence of our Lord on October 11, 2018.  She was born in Laredo, TX, and met the love of her life, Humberto R. Laurel, Jr., while at Martin High School.  They were united in marriage on November 11, 1950.

Ana Laurel joined her husband on his journey with the Air Force, traveling around the United States, including a tour in Germany, for a service of twenty years.

Ana Laurel went to work for the government.  She first worked 5 years for the US Air Force and Postal Service.  She then worked an additional 32 years as a devoted Management Program Officer in US Customs, and her “girls,” that were part of her team, would work closely with her and become part of her family.  She was always giving direction and guidance to others through her example of love and kindness, shown in her own way.  She would often share a story that would tell of her heart.  One such example involved taking her team to hire employees in different border-crossing cities from Brownsville to Del Rio.  In one such city, after her team was nearing the end of offering positions for needed personnel, she saw one young couple, and his wife pregnant.  Feeling moved, she knew she had to find a position for him, which she did.  To this day, they remember her kindness in providing a future for this young couple.

Ana Laurel was an exemplary wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She was a prayer warrior for her family and others, every single day.  She prayed the rosary every day with her oldest son, David, between two and four times a day.  Also, more recently, she the prayed the rosary with her grandson, Josh.  She offered prayers for her family and those who asked for prayers.  This dedication to prayer and to God was most likely the result of helping take care of Christ the King Church since a young girl, being able to climb to the top of the statues and making sure they were polished and clean, with her small hands.  She always dedicated flowers to Mary, and made sure her children grew up in the church.

Another way she showed love to her family was through her cooking.  Especially on special holidays when her children, now grown up with their own families, would gather together during Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners, enjoying the result of 4 to 5 days of cooking, baking, and preparation.

After Ana Laurel’s husband passed away, she wanted to join him.  God finally granted her prayer, and they are together again.  For those left behind, she wanted us to be happy and grateful for the wonderful life she brought to all of us, especially by her example in always putting everybody before herself.  Her love for people was seen in her actions towards others throughout her life.  She is already greatly missed, but we know she is always with us.

Ana Laurel is predeceased by her father, Estanislao Martinez; mother, Micaela Jordan; her brother Louis Martinez; and her sister, Isabel Reyna.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving children, David Ezequiel (Mary Pat) Laurel, Ricardo Luis “Ricky” (Linda) Laurel, Humberto Reymundo “Tito” (Jeanette) Laurel, and Anita Olivia (Steve) Stanley; grandchildren, David “Tony”, Mallory, Danny, Jennifer, Ana, Ashlee, Dottie, Chris, Junie, Bobby, David, Latisha, Stephanie, Joshua and Mark; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Emery, Damian, Isabella, Isaac, Noah, Kayla, Weston, Nathan David and Matthew; sisters, Alice Valdez, Mina Martel and Elsa Martinez.

The family will receive guests on Sunday, October 14, 2018, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.  A holy rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 15, 2018, at Christ the King Catholic Church.  A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am.   Interment will follow at the City Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr. Laredo, TX 78041 (956)723-3611.  You may leave condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com