Enriqueta Campos Quiroz

BROWNSVILLE, TX. –  Our dear mother, Enriqueta C. Quiroz, passed away peacefully on the evening of Wednesday, the 5th of July 2023 in the comfort of her Brownsville residence surrounded by her loving family. She was ninety-one years of age.

Preceding her in death was her beloved husband, Juan R. Quiroz; her parents, Concepción and Augustina Campos; her sisters Sophia C. Silguero, Ignacia C. Nuñez, Juanita C. Cortez, Maria C. Oakley, and Modesta “Molly” Campos; and her brothers Encarnación “Chon” Campos, Agustín Campos, and Florentino “Pino” Campos. 

Queta is survived by her daughters Cathy (Robert “Mac”) MacEachern, Melissa Quiroz, Melinda Quiroz, and Monica (Ed) Peterson; her grandchildren Aida, Melissa, Cecilia, Alyssa, Leo, John, Bryce, Robert, Jr., and John Henry; her great-grandchildren, Luke and Leia; her brother, Antonio (Lucinda) Campos; her two sisters, Guadalupe “Lupita” (David) Bosserman and Petra “Pat” Robertson; in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

As a child, Queta could be found playing outside, be it climbing a tree, riding a bicycle, or joining in on games with her siblings and neighborhood children. As an adult, she enjoyed hosting family gatherings that consisted of poker games, softball games, and at times, even fireworks, and endless amounts of food. Though she always seemed so strong and obstinate, she touched many hearts, always welcoming everyone into her home. 

Throughout the years, Queta was a restaurant owner. Her first venture was The Flaming Grill, located downtown on 11th Street. She closed that business and proceeded to open The Courtesy Café, located at 8th and Elizabeth Streets. During that time, the building catty-cornered to the Café was available for lease. That was where her and her husband, Johnny, became the original owners of The Palm Lounge. That was no easy feat. It took Queta’s strong-will, determination, and a trip to Austin, to acquire the beer license. Her last restaurant was The Lottery Café, which opened when the lottery first came to Texas. Shortly after, she stepped completely away from the restaurant business. She closed the Café and sold The Palm Lounge. Her time was spent at bingo, with grandchildren, and for a while, helping her sister and brother-in-law at Mi Torito.

Queta lived a long and beautiful life. Quoting her daughter, “she left like she lived, impatient and in a rush.” I am sure there are Brownsville police officers who would wholeheartedly agree. 

She will be missed tremendously. A special thank you with lots of love is extended to her caregiver, Lupita, and the eldest of her daughters, Cathy, who looked after her up to her last breath.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, the 13th of July 2023 between the hours of one o'clock in the afternoon and nine o'clock at night, with a recitation of the holy rosary to begin at seven o'clock Thursday evening within the East Chapel of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ten o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 14th of July 2023 at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 1914 Barnard Road, Brownsville. Interment will then follow, via an escorted procession, at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 McDavitt Boulevard, Brownsville.

Honored to be serving as pallbearers are her grandsons, Leo and John, and her nephews, Jesus Enrico Quiroz, Jr., Jovahn Quiroz, Victor “Hugo” Cortez, and Gilbert “Sonny” Cortez, Jr. 

Honorary pallbearers are her grandchildren Aida, Ceci, Missy, Alyssa, Bryce, Robert, Jr., and John Henry.

“There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you” John 14:12 

Memories of Enriqueta may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.