It is with grief and joy that we announce the passing of Maria M. Vasquez, 88, as she peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her residence in Edinburg surrounded by her family. She was born on a Sunday, February 25, 1934 in Mission, Texas to Marcelino Martinez and Enedina Guzman Martinez. She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Narcisco Vasquez; 4 brothers and 1 sister.
Maria is survived by her husband of 68 years; Santos Vasquez, children; Santos (Dora) Vasquez Jr, Rosalinda (Gustavo) Rios, Maria Isabel Garcia, Sylvia (Cruz) Robledo, Ricardo (Diana) Vasquez, Ana F. Reppond, Eva (Daniel) Elizondo, Sandra Vasquez, Ruben (Melynda) Vasquez, 28 grandchildren and 51 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild.
Maria and her husband, Santos Vasquez Sr. and owned Vasquez Grocery in Edinburg, Texas for 43 years. During that time, the community became customers, customers became friends, and friends became family. Although the building was eventually remodeled, La Tiendita Vasquez, as everyone called it, became a place for gathering. Dinners were served, birthdays were celebrated and many memories were made inside those four walls it was definitely the heart behind it, her heart and her love at the center. As a mother and grandmother, she made sure to provide a place of unity not just to her family but to the community as well.
Aside from her dedication and love towards her family, Maria was a faithful member to her church, Iglesia Bautista de la Esperanza in Edinburg. After a knock on her door almost 60 years ago offering her a box of food from its food pantry, she faithfully attended services with her children and grew into the faith filled woman we’ve all known, never wavering, always praying, staying faithful and clung on to the Promises until her last breath.
Tears of both grief and joy flood our eyes knowing that she is no longer here with us but also knowing that she is now perfect in Heaven with our Savior and believing we will one day see her again. Maria was a beautiful and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother and friend to all whose lives she touched as she reunites with son Narcisco. She will be deeply missed by all of her family and friends who loved her dearly. Let’s live like our Maria Vasquez, with an unwavering faith, great patience for life and a whole lot of love to give.
Her family will receive friends today, Friday, January 20, 2023 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a Prayer Service to be prayed at 6:00 PM in the Chapel of Peace at Ceballos-Diaz Funeral Home, 322 East Kuhn Street in Edinburg. Christian services will be on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Iglesia Bautista de la Esperanza, 814 West Cooper Street, Edinburg, TX. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery, 1701 East Richardson Road. Having the distinguished honor to serve as pallbearers will be: Daniel Elizondo, Jr., Andrew Vasquez, Cruz Robledo, Jr., Ruben Vasquez, Jr., Ricardo Vasquez, Jr. and Juan Martinez. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be: Danny Elizondo, Gustavo Rios, Santos Vasquez, III and Omar Rene Guerra. Funeral services have been entrusted to Johnny Garcia, Manager/Funeral Director and Staff of Ceballos-Diaz Funeral Home in Edinburg.
Click here to view a webcast of the service on 1/20/2023 at 04:00 PM, Central Standard Time.