Maria Del Rosario Perez Barrera

Maria Del Rosario Perez Barrera is fondly remembered for her selfless dedication to her family. Rosario, also known as “Chala,” died in her sleep in the loving presence of her family in San Antonio, Texas. She was 99 years old.
Chala was an extraordinary woman, an eternal optimist in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. A Great Depression survivor, she watched the world go from silent films to video chats on smart phones. Chala used her difficult life experiences as a diving board to courageously plunge into the realm of the unknown and make people feel loved.
She was always trying to make the world a better place through small acts of compassion and kindness to others. Growing up, she lost both her parents and therefore, lost a lot of emotional support. Later, she became the one who would make space in her heart for others to ease their pain and suffering.
From her personal distress, blossomed empathy and spirituality. Her parents, who were originally from Nuevo Leon, Mexico, moved to America around 1917.
Born on March 29, 1918 in San Juan, Texas, Chala lived with her five siblings in Alamo, Texas. They lived the humble life of first-generation Texans. After the loss of their father, her mother bought an old one-room army barrack and had it moved to Birch Street in Alamo, Texas and made it their home. Determined to help support her family, Rosario began her career as a migrant worker at a young age, doing whatever she could to make money. She traveled throughout Texas and Mississippi to do seasonal work such as picking cotton. Then suddenly, her mother died and she and her siblings were orphans. Relatives offered to help, but only by splitting up the family. The children refused to go through any further pain, so together they agreed to raise themselves. Chala stayed home to care for the two younger siblings, while the older siblings worked.
She was good with numbers and business savvy. When she was in her 20s, she worked as a cashier and ticket taker at the Alamo Theater. That is where she met her future husband Aurelio Barrera. They raised 9 children in the house that he built. Together they started businesses to keep the lights on. She kept the books for their businesses, Alamo Taxi and Barrera’s Radio Repair Service.
Mom was always on top of current events, politics and always exercised her right to vote. Independence Day was her favorite holiday, as it was the one we most celebrated.
Chala’s spirit got her through some of the hardest times. She loved to sing or hum while she did household chores, such as hanging clothing on the line to dry. Every Thanksgiving you could count on her to play Loteria with her children, who introduced her to the idea of having a glass of wine after dessert. Simply having everyone get together for a meal brought her joy.
Her altruism was remarkable. For the past 20 years, she spent many hours a day praying for her family and others. She often went without, so that in case something happened, she’d have enough for anyone who needed anything.
If she said she was going to do something, she would follow through. When her brothers Chuy and Ramon were deployed overseas during World War II, she prayed that if they came back, she would make a spiritual pilgrimage to Mexico City to the Virgen del Tepeyac Church. After many long nights they came home. Although the journey was long and perilous, she fulfilled her promise, as she always did.
Although she did not complete a formal education, she wanted her children to have the opportunity to live their dreams and encouraged them to pursue higher education. She started savings accounts for her kids in jars that she kept in the closet. Every chance she got, she would remind us to cherish our family.
Have you gone to see your sister? Have you called them? She was always pushing us to stay in touch with each other, to not lose contact with each other. That’s your brother; that’s your sister; you need to stay in touch with them. Her words ring true now more than ever.
Rosario joins her husband Aurelio, children Gertrudis, and Pedro Alonzo in her passing. She is survived by her sister Juanita Hernandez; 9 children, Gertrudis Tenerias, Abelina Barrera, Clarita (Melquiades) Casas, Aurelio (Tanya) Barrera Jr., Dolores (Ron) Bedinghaus, Margot Moczygemba, Mariana (Rogelio) Esparza, Pedro Alonzo Barrera and Miguel (Kathy) Barrera; 30 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; and 6 great great grandchildren.
Viewing will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. rosary on Thursday, May 18, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Her funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 19, at Resurrection Catholic Church in Alamo. She will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Alamo.
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.