Leonor Solis Lozano

Leonor Solis Lozano, 96, was welcomed into heaven on Monday, July 21, 2014, by her parents, Baltazar and Victoria Solis and her siblings: Julia S. Briseo, Faustino, Katy S. Ripke, David, Lupita S. Amos, Maggie S. Burell, Sulema S. Davis, Gumecindo Cacho and Santos Baltazar Guero. Her beloved grandson, Rafael Gerardo Ruiz, was also there with open arms and her precious niece, Alma Barrera, quickly wrapped her with her angel wings.

Leonor was born and raised on Taylor Street in Brownsville with 9 siblings. Her parents, struggled like all families then, but somehow pushed all their children to get educated. Leonor graduated from Brownsville High School in 1938.

After working at a tiny family business for many years, Leonor enrolled at TSC and the Pan American University to receive a Bachelors Degree in Education in 1972 at the age of 54. She went on to earn a Masters Degree in Supervision in 1974. For 22 years, Leonor was a third grade teacher at Villarreal Elementary School in Olmito. She continued studying to earn certificates in bilingual education and as a reading specialist. Leonor was a UIL coach and taught reading and writing to adults. She was one of those many teachers who could never give up on any student and looked forward to the next day to try new ideas.

Leonors very best friends were her grandson Sonny and granddaughter Dee Dee. Her eyes lit up every time she was with them. Until a few years ago, they would take her to Longhorn football games in Austin, cruises to the Caribbean, Cowboy games in Dallas where Sonny lives, and Las Vegas where she loved those penny Gold Fish machines.

Leonor retired from teaching in 1995, but continued as a HOSTS volunteer. She joined Mrs. Margaret Clarks water aerobics classes and up until a few years ago, enjoyed swimming daily at the Margaret M. Clark Aquatic Center. Leonor was also a member of The American Legion, Health to You, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and St. Josephs Catholic Church.

Being in education was a great fulfillment for Leonor, and when she helped prepare this obituary she wanted this statement to be included: I tried to learn all I could with every experience of my life, whether I was in school or not. Learning should never stop, and anyone who has the opportunity for higher education should strive to get all the degrees he or she can. Education is the key to all types of prosperity, including high selfesteem. I urge all youngsters to value education, and even if youre not so young, try it, as I did in my fifties, and youll be forever an achiever.

Leonor enjoyed every minute of her life, and even though she only had one child, she had many nieces and nephews that included her in all family activities. Her friends from the old days and from Olmito constantly arrived at her door to catch up, and her everhelpful neighbors, the families of Fina Gonzalez, Letty Ramirez, and Alfonso Solis, were simply the best.

The family wants to thank Dr. Cua, Dr. Gracie Leija, Lower Valley Home Health Care and Superior Hospice for the great health care they provided. Her wonderful caregivers include Magda Martinez, Esmi Longoria, and Pilar Rivera. Leonors lifelong friend, Tencha Hurt was always with her. Leonor sends blessings to all who enriched her life, especially those nieces and nephews who live here and were there for her alwaysLillian Torres, Larry Solis, Jose Luis Burell, Vicki Davila, Ceci Rangel, Mimi Reyna, Levy Davila and stepdaughter, Beda Lozano. When Dora and Eliseo traveled, many friends were on call and were available to help at any moment. The nieces and nephews, and special friends, Anna Rivera, Laura and Noe Ruiz, Lupita and Amalio Perez, and Eliseos brother, Frank and sister Eloisa Likens were there for Leonor at all times. The family will never forget their kindness.

Those left to miss her poise and love of life are her daughter, Dora Lozano Ruiz, her soninlaw, Eliseo Ruiz Jr., whom she always called her son her grandchildren: Eliseo Sonny Ruiz, III and Diana Delinda Dee Dee Ruiz, her stepdaughter, Beda Lozano and her 33 plus 8 in heaven beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2014, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the East Chapel at DarlingMouser Funeral Home with the recitation of the holy rosary at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at DarlingMouser. The Funeral Mass is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, at St. Joes Catholic Church, 555 West St. Francis Street. Interment will follow at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Honored to be serving as her pallbearers are Tony Briseo, Marty Martinez, Eliseo Davila, Larry Solis, Frank Ruiz, and Joe Burell.

Honorary pallbearers will be Lila Galvan, Dr. Ernesto Davila, Juan Reyna, and Albert Briseo.

Visitation

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
3:00 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M.

Service

Rosary

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
7:00 P.M.

Funeral Mass

St. Joseph Catholic Church
555 W. St Francis
Brownsville, TX  78520
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens
4464 Old Port Isabel Rd.
Brownsville, TX  78526