It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Maria Elena Sendejo, who departed from this life on Monday, April 20, 2026, at her home in Bishop, Texas.

Maria was born in Bishop, Texas to Ventura and Aniseta Garcia. She lived a life defined by strength, perseverance, and unwavering faith. In her early years, she worked as a migrant laborer, instilling in her a resilience that would carry her through life. She married Fortino Sendejo, and together they raised eight children. Later, Maria returned to school, earning her Master’s degree in Bilingual Education. She went on to serve as a dedicated teacher for nearly 30 years at Oak Park Elementary School in Corpus Christi, touching countless lives and leaving behind a legacy of compassion, knowledge, and advocacy for her students.

Maria was a woman of deep and abiding faith, a devout Catholic who loved the Lord wholeheartedly and lived her life spreading His word. She carried a powerful presence. When she entered a room. Her strength, her voice, and her spirit were unforgettable.

She loved her family fiercely and without condition. Maria found joy in cooking meals that brought everyone together, singing from the heart, tending to her garden, and sharing the gospel of God with anyone willing to listen. Her life was a testimony of love, faith, and devotion.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fortino (Kino) Sendejo, her sons Eddie Sendejo, Rick Sendejo, Tony Sendejo and grandsons Eddie (Nano) Sendejo Jr. and Jeremiah (Jerry) Sendejo and other loved ones who welcomed her into eternal rest.

She is survived by her siblings Blanca Zavala of Weslaco, Pedro Garcia of Alvin, Dora Garcia, Alicia Garcia, Robert Garcia and Gina Garcia all of Bishop. She leaves behind her children: Rebecca Sendejo; Chrysti (Chris) Budd; Cynthia Casey; Criselda (Eugenio) Gonzalez; and Jacob (Sandra) Sendejo; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family.

The family will receive condolences from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary; with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Kingsville, Texas, with a interment following afterwards at 11:15 a.m. at St. James Cemetery in Bishop, Texas.

She has been called home to rest in the arms of the Lord, reunited in eternal peace with those who went before her, where there is no more pain; only light, love, and everlasting life.