Maria Elena Mata

McALLEN – Maria Elena Mata, 83, went to be with our Lord and Savior on November 30, 2018 in the love and comfort of her home surrounded by her family.
She was born July 5, 1935 to Jose Telesforo and Maria Pena of Mission, TX. Maria Elena was the beloved wife and best friend of the late Ramon A. Mata of McAllen for 54 years.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Ramon A. Mata; a granddaughter, Cynthia Ann Garza; her parents, Jose Telesforo and Maria Pena; and a sister, Felicitas Pena.
Maria Elena is survived by four children, Thelma Gonzalez of McAllen, David (Alma) Gonzalez of Brownsville, Diana Mata (Ricardo) Gonzalez of McAllen, Roxanne Mata of San Antonio; five grandchildren, David Anthony Gonzalez, Christopher Michael Gonzalez, Stephanie Gonzalez, Robert Loy (Adrienne) Gonzalez, Erik Scott Gonzalez; and two great-grandchildren, Priscilla Marie Garza and Jared Garza.
Our mother was a woman of great faith and had a heart full of love and compassion for family and others. Her will to live was very strong and she overcame many adversities in life.
She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, music and dancing. We will always remember her sense of humor, especially saying her favorite “dichos.”
Although our mother will be greatly missed she left us with an abundance of beautiful memories and great examples of strength and fortitude.
Special thanks to Dr. Hiram Tavarez, Dr. Rueben Valentin, Lifeline Ambulance Transport, Fresenius Dialysis, and CIMA Hospice. A very special thanks and gratitude to her caregivers, Lorena Aleman, Wendy Garcia, Maritza Galvan, and Marta Salazar for the care given to our mother.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. rosary Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 East Canton in Edinburg. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in McAllen. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen.
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.