Maria Magdalena Villarreal Lopez

As a teacher assistant, Mrs. Lopez was an educator who touched the hearts of many. She was a beacon of guidance for generations of students and friends, always offering her support and encouragement.

Maria, 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones at AVIR at Beeville on Monday, November 10, after a long and courageous battle with illness. She was born in Berclair, Texas in 1935 to Encarnacion and Anita Garza Villarreal. After marrying and starting a family, she volunteered at Ann Burke Head Start where her youngest son John Edward attended. Encouraged by the school principal, Mrs. Blackburn and her husband Santana, she went on to earn a GED, which enabled her to become a teacher assistant at what was once Jackson Elementary School. A position she held for over 30yrs.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Santana; son, John Edward; parents, Encarnacion and Anita Villarreal; sister, Delia Villarreal and brother, Rey Villarreal. Survivors include her son, Joe H. Lopez (Dan); daughters, Rose (Nick) Rivas, Jo Ann Alvarado (Leo) and Delia Lou Lopez; 5 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren; sister, Lillie Alcala; brother, Raymond Anthony Villarreal and sister Lina Solis.

In 1950, Maria met the love of her life, Santana, at the local skating rink in Beeville. They married young at 14 and 17 years of age. A marriage that lasted for 48 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, who especially loved to spend time with her grandchildren, laughing and always wearing a smile on her face and yes, always looking her best, stylish and beautiful. “To know her was to love her”.

Maria was a lifelong member of St James Catholic Church and was one of the voices in the church choir. She loved meeting and getting to know people which she got to do serving as an elections officer for several years. She was also extremely talented and creative in making all holidays and celebrations special.

Maria will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her. She will finally be reunited with the only love in her life, her loving husband, Santana, and her beloved son, John Edward.

The family would like to thank and extend gratitude to the staff of AVIR at Beeville and New Century Hospice for their compassionate and reassuring care.

Visitation will be held from 3-8 pm on Monday, Nov. 17, at Oak Park Memorial Funeral Chapel. A holy rosary will be recited at 7 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Jacob Valayath as celebrant. Cremation services will follow.

Serving as pallbearers are Jaime Rivas, Gerard Villarreal, Ted Trevino, Robert Flores, Ben Alcala and Bobby Alvarado.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.

OAK PARK MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL

BEEVILLE, TEXAS

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