On April 2, 2026, Maria Elena Ortiz Valenzuela departed from her earthly family’s embrace to join her heavenly family’s outstretched arms. Born on November 18, 1943 in Cedral, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Maria moved to the United States with her parents when she was thirteen years old. The family fell in love with Corpus Christi, Texas and would later call it their new home. Although Maria loved all of her siblings, she shared an unbreakable bond with her brother Joe. The pair would go through life’s journey together, sticking close to each other through the good times and bad. Maria graduated from Miller High School.

She worked at her parents’ bakery during her teenage years where she met her husband Robert. Family will recall Robert visiting the store to buy bread in hopes of just getting the chance to talk with her. They married on December 26, 1966. Maria was a military wife and accompanied her husband nationwide during his service to the country. She raised four children during all of this, simultaneously providing a steady home in a changing environment while also encouraging curiosity and acceptance of all the people that they met in their travels. After retiring from the Navy, they settled in Riviera, TX in 1979. They then started their insulation company in 1980, which is still their family business today.

Maria was a dedicated mother and raised four beautiful children. She placed great value on education and took pride in the fact that all four of her children earned college degrees. Her wisdom, love, and guidance molded all of her children to be both successful and kind.

The bond that Maria shared with each of her grandchildren was truly unique and special; with each of them, she instilled the belief to always seek knowledge and to be fearless in their pursuits. She treasured each one of them, and their shared memories will forever be held in their hearts.

Every day at three in the afternoon, she could be found reciting the Rosary. She was devout in her faith and dedicated this time to her prayers and reflection of her love for the Lord. She truly exemplified what it means to “love thy neighbor.” Maria would always help others without expecting anything in return. She also helped nurture the faith of the youth during her time as a Catechism teacher.

Maria loved to listen to music, watch exciting television series and movies, and cook delicious food. She dedicated her life to supporting her family and passing on strong Catholic values and traditions. In addition, she always emphasized the need to work hard and always try to improve oneself. Through all of this, she provided unconditional love and support to her family.

She joins her family in Heaven, which includes her father Pedro Ortiz, mother Alicia Ortiz, daughter Veronica Alma Valenzuela Medina, and three of her beloved siblings. 

Maria’s lasting legacy will be carried on and remembered by her husband, Robert Valenzuela; children, Maria Elena Jimenez (Samuel), Robert Valenzuela (Denisa), and Michael Valenzuela (Jennifer); grandchildren, Gabrielle, Matthew, Alejandro, Emma, Madeline, and Ellison; great-grand dogs Arthur, Chewy, Buck, Sox, Sandy, and Seger. She also leaves behind six siblings, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins

Maria's family will receive condolences from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Sarita, Texas, with a holy rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Sarita, Texas. Rite of Committal and interment will follow at Vattman Cemetery.

Maria’s unconditional love was the foundation of our lives, and her spirit will forever illuminate our paths. She will be our guiding light and we will carry her in our hearts, always.