Maria "Cruz" Cruz Padilla

Mrs. Maria Cruz Padilla, 90, our beloved mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and friend has been called by heavens angels and entered into the glory of her eternal life on Thursday, October 18, 2012. At her bedside was her son Joe and her devoted caregivers with whom she shared many memories at her beloved ranch in Bayview, TX.

Cruz, a native and lifetime resident of Brownsville and the surrounding area, was was daughter of Encarnacion and Flora Vaasquez Ybarra, a pioneer family with deep roots in South Texas.

After graduating from Brownsville High School in 1942, she met and married the love of her life, Alfonso Padilla and together they raised their three children: Alfonso Jr., Eva, and Joe. Sadly, her husbands life ended in tragedy in 1970, leaving Cruz alone to continue raising their three children in spite of what other uncertainties life would bring her way.

Cruz was determined to raise and educate her children. After the loss of her husband, Cruz always made sure that issues of trust and guidance were always available from her.

In 2006, Cruz moved to Bayview, TX and enjoyed the Country Charm and particularly anxiously awaited her yearly harvest of Ruby Red Grapefruits, that she sold from her golf cart beginning in November and continuing until all the fruit was sold or given away. Cruz loved her home, her neighbors, and all the members of her community church. Cruz was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all those fortunate to have known her but we are certain that her legacy will continue in those that her survive her.

Cruz was predeceased by her parents: Encarnacion and Flora Ybarra her siblings: Lorenzo Ybarra Sr., Jose Ybarra, Pablo Ybarra, Juan Ybarra, Janie Vasquez, Concepcion Conchita Canales, Aurora Buentello, and Rey Ybarra and a grandson, Eddie Garza.

In addition to her three children, Cruz is survived by her sister, Rosa Rosita Leyva two granddaughters: Ana Christina Padilla from San Antonio, TX and Lauren Alexandra Padilla from Mexico City, D. F., Mexico four grandsons: Sergio and Javier Padilla and Alfonso and Armando Garza three greatgranddaughters, numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Visitation will begin today, Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the East Chapel at DarlingMouser Funeral Home. Visitation will resume at 10:00 a.m. and continue through 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 21st, with the recitation of the holy rosary at 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening. The Funeral Mass will be at 10:L00 a.m. on Monday, October 22, 2012 at St. Josephs Catholic Church, 555 West St. Francis St. Committal services will follow at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Honored to be serving as Cruzs pallbearers are: Joe Padilla, Guadalupe Don Lupe Morales, Frank Evans, Manny Buentello Jr., Rey Ybarra II, Jesus Gutierrez, and Jorge Limas.

The Padilla family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Luis Reynoso and his staff for the care they provided during the last weeks of her life Greater Valley Hospice, and Raquel Ybarra, Delma Salinas, Elva Muoz, Angela Ferreri, Evelyn Vasquez, Kathleen Redfern, and Sylvia Rangel.

Our most sincere and heartfelt appreciation goes to Consuelo Guerra, Antonia and Guadalupe Don Lupe Morales, who were her personal caregivers at her ranch and our friends in Bayview for their thoughts visits, and prayers throughout her illness.

Visitation

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Saturday, October 20, 2012
11 am to 9 pm

Service

Resume Visitation

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Sunday, October 21, 2012
10 am to 9 pm

Rosary

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Sunday, October 21, 2012
7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Resurrection

St. Joseph Catholic Church
555 W. St Francis
Brownsville, TX  78520
Monday, October 22, 2012
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

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