Maria Santos Villarreal
October 10, 1932 – May 21, 2024
Maria Santos Hernandez Villarreal passed away early Tuesday morning at age 91.
She was born in Matehuala, San Luis Potosi Mexico on October 10, 1932.
Maria was preceded in death by her father; Julio Hernandez Rivera and mother; Virginia Mendez Limon. Sisters and brother; Angela, Trinidad, Gabina, Florencia, Socorro, and Manuel. Son; Luis Gregorio Garza.
Maria is survived by a sister Maria Esther Hernandez (Dan Bynum, deceased), her daughter and son-in-law, Teresita de Jesus Lezama (Alvaro Lezama), son and daughter-in-law Francisco J. Garza (Ayn Garza), and son, Juan Rene Villarreal. Grandchildren; Alvaro E. Lezama (Diana), Teresita (Will Tejada), Pablo Lezama, and Abraham Lezama. Great-grandchildren Kaily L. Tejada, Leonardo Lezama, and Sebastian Lezama. Further, survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Maria grew up and lived in Mexico from 1932 to the 1970’s. In the late 70’s she came to Laredo where she would live the rest of her life. She was happiest amongst family and friends. She was always helping people in need-collecting then delivering clothes, toys, gifts, and any donations to the orphanage. She was part of the Guadalupanas and prayer group at San Martin de Porres Church for many years. She was honored to have served Our Lord and was very proud to be a Eucharistic Minister for San Martin de Porres Church.
Special thanks to Mr. Emilio Garza for providing Holy Communion to Maria during her health decline on Sunday for years.
She enjoyed the simple things in life, family gatherings, birthdays, holidays and keeping God in her life always. People of all walks of life frequently looked for her to pray for them during any hardship they may have been facing. She prayed with an absolute connection to Our Almighty God.
Gatherings were special to her and to those many people that surrounded her over the course of her last 25 years. She loved playing loteria on Sundays and always looked forward to good food…(“le falta sal”) was her usual complaint.
In her final years she beat incredible odds multiple times. Her faith and loving care carried her through the most difficult health issues. She was fragile, but remained stable for many years until her final day of life. We have all gained a beautiful angel as she joins those who have gone before her. May she rejoice in the Kingdom of God.
Special thanks to her loving extended family; her providers, “Santi” Gonzalez, Margarita Diaz, Magdalena Sosa, and Gloria Romero.
Her doctors; Dr. Dennis D. Cantu, Internal Medicine. (We are forever grateful to you Doc for always being there for Maria and all her care, attention, support, compassion, and love you have provided for over 20 years under your practice). Dr. C. Cigarroa, Cardiologist. Dr. G. Snyder, Dr. A. Garcia, Nephrologists, and their respective staff.
Thanks to the following agencies for their loving care/ services; St Jude’s Specialty Home and Health Services; Paty Guajardo, Abigail Alonzo-Morera, Bill Renick, and staff. Alpha Primary Care; Jackie Herrera and staff. Alta Vista Wellness Center; Aleth Oaferina, Robert Lerma (Physical Therapists). Laredo Lifeline Ambulance Service and their respective staff, EMT’s and Paramedics. Satellite Health Care (South) and the numerous dialysis techs, nurses, and staff; Delfino, Ricardo, Armando, Victoria, Esmeralda, and the entire Dialysis Center staff. Molina Healthcare; Dennis Lira RN, Zulema Salinas, and Mr. Gonzalez.
Maria cherished and loved her neighbors at “La Base” and wanted to thank them personally for always being there for her- The Valencianos, Landins, Flores, Chavarrias,Martinez, Ochoas, Garcias, Fuentes, Torres, and many other families since 1977.
Our family thanks Jayleen Romero, a beautiful 7 year old for giving her “Tita” unconditional love, support, company, and bringing Maria weekly “loteria Sunday” joy.
The family will be receiving condolences on Sunday, May 26, 2024, in the Angelus Chapel at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 27, 2024 at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation services. Funeral procession will follow to San Martin De Porres Catholic Church. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:30 am. Interment will follow to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com
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