Maria Garcia Cardona

Maria Garcia Cardona passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by her loving family on February 25, 2024, in Alice, Texas. She was born on January 13, 1917, in Beeville, Texas, to her parents Santos and Maria Garcia. Maria's life was a testament to the power of love, family, and unwavering faith. Maria was blessed with 107 years of a loving life. Maria was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband of 67 years, Julio C. Cardona; her parents, Santos and Maria Garcia; daughters Consuelo C. Fuentes and Julia C. Vela; sons-in-law, George Fuentes Sr. and Jesus C. Vela;  grandson, Julio C. Fuentes; and great-grandson, Julio Gabriel DeLaRosa. Left to cherish Maria's legacy are her daughter, Nelda C. Moreno (Ruben), her grandchildren, Sandra Fuentes DeLaRosa, George Fuentes Jr., Cynthia V. Gonzalez, Norma F. Valero, Rosa Anna Zidermanis, Graciela V. Villarreal, Robert Fuentes Sr., Adan C. Fuentes Sr., Shanea Moreno, and Julio Cordell Moreno; and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to have known her. Maria, also known as Ama, grandma, GG, or Wella, always started her day with a good cup of coffee before tending to her family with diligence and love. Her hands were rarely still as she was an outstanding seamstress, crafting beautiful garments for her children and grandchildren with care and precision. She ensured they were well fed with her delicious homemade tortillas, fresh-cooked beans, and the best carne guisada imaginable. Christmas was her favorite holiday as she loved family togetherness, rejoicing and celebrating while feasting on tamales, menudo, and pan de polvo and anything else imaginable which she lovingly and deliciously prepared. Maria was a sports fanatic and the number #1 fan of the Alice Coyotes, showing her support whether she had children playing or not. Her passion extended to professional sports, she was an avid follower of the Houston Oilers, Houston Astros, Houston Texans, and Dallas Cowboys. Maria also enjoyed her novelas, "The Guiding Light" and "As The World Turns" being among her favorites. Maria raised her family on the values of humility, respect, honesty, hard work, faith, and family unity, reminding them to treat others with kindness. She always advised her children to be attentive to each other's needs, to be at peace with one another, and to love one another unconditionally. Her guidance was a gift that will continue to resonate through the generations.

Maria’s family will receive condolences on Thursday, February 29, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Trevino Funeral Home, 120 E. Front St., with Holy Rosary to be recited at 1:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, followed by Rite of Committal and Interment at New Collins Cemetery in Alice, Texas.

Honoring Maria as pallbearers are I. Cheve DeLaRosa, Servando L. “Sonny” Garcia III., Julio Cordell Moreno, Richard Villarreal, Adan C. Fuentes Sr., and Alejandro “Alex” Gonzalez III. Honorary pallbearers are Andru J. DeLaRosa and Joshua David Villarreal.

A very special Thank You to Altus Hospice Home Care; and especially to CNA Lori, RN Gracie, RN Noela, and Pastor Georgia for all their compassionate loving care given to our Mother and Grandmother, Maria Garcia Cardona.

To leave your condolences for the family of Maria Garcia Cardona, share your memories, or visit her tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.