Our beloved Mother, Josefa Saenz Cantu, known to many as “Pepa”, went home to be with our Lord passing away peacefully on April 13, 2026, at the age of 97. She was born in Concepcion, Texas on January 5,1929 to her parents Manuel and Rosa Saenz. With Pepa’s departure, we remember a long life well lived with immense love and caring for family.
 
Pepa grew up on her family ranch with her parents and 5 brothers. There she learned the traits of being an excellent homemaker from her mom. Her father, uncle and brothers taught her how to care for animals, garden and do ranch work. In her early teen years, she cared for and babysat many children. She married the love of her life, Roberto Cantu, and together they had 2 children. Together they continued with their ranching business and provided a beautiful homestead for their family. Her faith and family were the center of her world.
 
Before Roberto’s passing, Pepa and Roberto enjoyed visiting gambling venues and when it became difficult for them to travel alone their children assisted. After Roberto’s passing, Pepa spent her time viewing the deer and nature from the back porch and watching TV. “The Price is Right” was her favorite game show and she made it a point to make sure the TV was on the correct channel. Pepa was known for being an excellent cook and baker and making it from scratch. She would travel every Sunday for many years to assist her mom in preparing amazing meals for all those who visited after working the land. Her corn tamales, pan de campo, tortillas and her sweet desserts were loved by all. “Pepa” was blessed with a beautiful kind heart that left a lasting mark on those that knew her. She genuinely loved everyone and showed her love by giving tight hugs. She always would say, in perfect English, “I love you” when saying her goodbyes. Pepa’s 97 years of life has left those who loved her with many precious memories.
 
Josefa is survived by her daughter, Rosa Cantu Williams and her son Roberto Cantu Jr.
(Loretta), her granddaughter Adriana Williams (Devin), her great grandchildren Amaya, Aaliyah, RioShawn and Landen Moore, her granddaughter Samantha Salinas (Daniel) and her great grandson Adam Salinas. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who adored her dearly.
 
Josefa is preceded in death by her parents Manuel and Rosa Saenz, her husband Roberto
Cantu, her brothers and their wives–Amando and Maria Saenz, Horacio and Herminia Saenz, Catarino and Estella Saenz, Baldemar and Gloria Saenz, and Anselmo (Marina) Saenz.
 
The family expresses its sincere gratitude to the caring nurses, chaplain and staff from Summit Hospice who provided the support needed for our mother.
 
Active Pallbearers are Roberto Cantu Jr., Harold Saenz, Tony Cantu, Joe Salinas Jr., Humberto Soliz and Daniel Salinas.
 
Visitation is on Saturday, April 18, at 8:30 am at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home in San Diego, Texas. Rosary will be recited at 10:30 at Rosa Santa de Lima in Benavides, Texas. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00. Burial will be at Salinas Cemetery in Concepcion.

Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

​     Dolores Elena Rivera Garcia went to be with our Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Dolores, also known as Nena, was born on November 12, 1932, in Alice, Texas to Frank S. Rivera and Elida Benavides. As a young girl, Dolores began her religious education at St. Francis de Paula Catholic School in San Diego, Texas. She and her brother, Frank, stayed with the Uresti family as boarders to attend school during the week until St. Joseph Catholic School opened in Alice, Texas. She then attended Alice High School her freshman and sophomore years and enrolled at Our Lady of the Lake High School in San Antonio. After graduation she married her one and only, Daniel U. Garcia, Jr., on June 4, 1950, at age 17. Dolores became a devoted wife and mother. Her first child, Daniel III, was born on March 23, 1951, and by 1964 her family was complete with the addition of six daughters. A second son, Gerardo, born in 1961, did not live and was laid to rest in the San Diego Cemetery.
     Dolores was a parishioner of St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church and taught religious education. She was a past member of the Catholic Daughters of America and prayed her rosary faithfully. She enjoyed singing in the church choir with her husband, Daniel, and fellow members.
     By the age of 40, Dolores decided to get a college education at Texas A & I University in Kingsville, Texas and graduated with a degree in education. She taught Early Childhood Education for students with special needs at Nayer Elementary in Alice, Texas for about 20 years.
     To her children, Dolores, was a strict disciplinarian and became their friend when they became adults. She was an avid reader and when on vacation with the family, knew about many interesting sights to see and experience. At OLL she learned voice, piano, and homemaking etiquette as part of the curriculum. She enjoyed classical music, opera, theatre, photography, historical art and gardening. She cooked very good meals and collected recipe books.
     Dolores is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Gerardo, Aunt Ernestina T. Stein, Uncle Robert Stein, brother Frank Jr., niece Angelina Rivera, and sister-in-law, Sylvia Gonzalez Rodriguez.
     She is survived by 2 nephews Frank III and Javier Rivera, 1 niece Celina Simcox, 7 children Daniel U. Garcia, III of Alice, Texas, Yolanda I. (Rene) Garcia of Corpus Christi, Texas, Evangelina “Vangie” (Noe) Gonzalez of San Diego, Texas, Elena Garcia Salaiz of Edinburg, Texas, Raquel Garcia of Edinburg, Texas, Veronica (Dr. Rene) Vela of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Dolores “Lola” (Daniel) Rios of McAllen, Texas, 17 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, a cousin, and many nieces and nephews.
      Dolores enjoyed life to the fullest and loved telling stories to everyone whom asked about her family history. She was a loving and supporting daughter, wife, mother, sister, teacher, and friend. We will miss her dearly. ❤️
 
Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home- San Diego with A Rosary to be recited at 10:00 a.m. and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11:30 am at St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the San Diego Cemetery.

​Esmeralda G. Redner, 64, passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a short illness. She was born on June 13, 1962, to Marcos and Susana Gonzales.
 
Esmeralda, lovingly known as Esme, was a kind and caring woman who truly enjoyed life and all its beautiful moments. She had a joyful spirit and a heart full of love for those around her. Esme loved laughing, dancing, listening to music, and striking up conversations with everyone she met. Her warm personality could brighten any room she walked into.
 
She enjoyed playing bingo and chalupa and spending time visiting with family and friends. Whether sharing stories, enjoying a good meal, or celebrating holidays together, Esme treasured the simple moments that brought people closer. She loved fiercely and overcame every obstacle with grace.
 
Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. Nothing brought her more happiness than being surrounded by her family, watching her grandchildren grow, and sharing laughter and love with those she held closest to her heart.
 
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Juan Guzman; her second husband, Roy Redner; and her beloved son, Juan Antonio “Tony” Guzman. Though he left this world too soon, the love she had for him never faded and remained forever in her heart. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Lupe Gonzales, Valentine Gonzales, Dora Moreno, Isidro Casas, Antonia Hinojosa, Reynaldo Lopez, Armando Gonzales, Baldemar Gonzales, and Alfredo Gonzales.
 
She is survived by her loving children, Javier (Jeralynn) Guzman and Meghan (Victor) Quintanar-Garcia. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Jacob Guzman, Jalyssa Guzman, Jerrick Guzman, Julianna Guzman, Jordan Guzman, Jayden Guzman, Rafael Palacios, Michael Palacios, and Violeta Quintanar-Garcia; and one great-grandson, Easton Cervantes, along with numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
 
Esmeralda is also survived by her sisters, Yolanda Arroyo, Diana Sauseda, Delmira Diaz, Norma Guzman, and Gracie Moreno; and one brother, Aparicio Gonzales.
 
Esmeralda will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her. Her laughter, kindness, and the love she shared so freely will live on in the hearts of her family forever. Her grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life, and the love she had for them knew no bounds.
 
Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the memories we cherish, the love we share, and the stories we carry forward.
 
Active Pallbearers: Jacob Guzman, Jerrick Guzman, Rafael Palacios, Michael Palacios, Silver Salazar, and A.J. Garcia.
 
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home in San Diego. Rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. at Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church in Benavides, Texas, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Benavides Cemetery.

Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. in charge of arrangements.

Friday









​Lourdes Raquel Castillo, 78, of Alice, Texas, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on February 11, 1948, in Alice, Texas, to her parents, Isidro Vela and Candelaria Robles-Vela.

Rachel was a hardworking and determined woman who dedicated much of her life to providing for her family. She worked as a migrant worker and valued education, earning both her high school diploma and an associate degree. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication to those she loved defined her life.

She was married to her beloved husband, Corando Castillo, for 41 years. Together they built a family rooted in love, faith, and perseverance.

Rachel was a devoted mother to Santos (Yvonne) Castillo, Jennifer Castillo (Juan Carpentier), Olivia Castillo, Heidi Castillo, Antonio (Bianca) Castillo, and Enrique (Brittney) Castillo. She was also a proud and loving grandmother to Corey Castillo, Aaron Castillo, and Veronica Castillo (children of Santos Castillo); Audrei Carpentier, Sabryna Carpentier, Izyk Carpentier, and Izayah Carpentier (children of Jennifer Castillo); Jamya Williams (child of Olivia Castillo); and Corando Jesus Castillo, Isabell Mitchell, and Ella Mitchell (children of Heidi Castillo), Aivley Castillo (child of Antonio Castillo)
. Hailey, Hunter, and Gabrielle (children of Enrique Castillo). Survivors also include her brothers, Isidro Vela Jr. and David Vela.

She was preceded in death by her parents Isidro and Candelaria Robles-Vela, siblings Beatrice Vela-Escobar, Maria Vela-Vera, Jesus Vela, and Lilly Chapa.
​
Rachel loved spending time with her family above all else. She enjoyed watching sports, cooking meals for those she loved, sharing stories with her grandchildren, and spoiling her family whenever she could. Known for her strong will, kind heart, and wise advice, she was someone many turned to for guidance. Her faith was very important to her—she loved God and was raised in the Catholic faith.
Rachel will be remembered for her strength, love, wisdom, and the deep devotion she had to her family. Her presence, laughter, and guidance will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Active Pallbearers; Audrei Carpentier, Sabryna Carpentier, Veronica Castillo, Antonio Castillo
Tito Chapa, Mark Escamilla, Katelin Vela, Jessi Vela, Roy Louis Chapa.
 
Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2026  at Mauro P. Garcia Chapel in Alice Texas. A Prayer Service will be recited at 11:00 a.m. and Burial will follow at Roberson-Collins Cemetery. Mauro P. Garcia Fuenral Homes, Inc. in charge of arrangements.  

Juan Marcelo Buitron Sr. was called home to God on February 17th, 2026. He was born on February 8th, 1934, in Concepción, Tx to Marcelo and Gertrudis Buitron. Juan was a loving father, devoted husband, proud grandpa and great grandpa. He met and married his beautiful wife Elvira on May 19, 1964. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving honorably during the Korean War; a commitment he carried with pride throughout his life. He dedicated over 40 years of his career as a Construction Foreman for B. G. Cornelius. He took pleasure in tending to his garden and constructing various structures in his backyard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marcelo and Gertrudis Buitron, his sisters Margarita Cantù and Aurelia Buitron and his brother Alejandro Buitron.

He is survived in death by his wife of 61 years, Elvira Buitron, children Imelda Buitron, Juan(Tina) Buitron Jr., Isabel Buitron, son in law Louie Cervantes, grandchildren Maegan Cervantes, Jeffery Cervantes, Jacquelyn(Nick) Patterson, Kathryn Buitron, Morgan(Alec) Ellis, McKenna(Raven) Brown, Aaron(Angelina) Flores, Chris(Cheryl)Feskens, great-grandchildren Zoe Cadena, Zuri Ortega, Zayvn Jimenez, Kenslie June Feskens and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin on Saturday February 21, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home in San Diego, Tx followed by a Rosary and Funeral Mass Service at Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church in Benavides, Tx. @ 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Benavides Cemetery in Benavides, Tx.
Funeral reception to be held at the Parish Hall.

Flowers can be sent to Mauro P Garcia Funeral Homes in San Diego, TX. Please contact Juan Buitron Jr. for more information.

Juan Marcelo Buitron Sr. was a strong man of faith who held God close to his heart. He will be deeply missed by all his family, friends, & all who knew him.
​
Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Hom entrusted with arrangements.

Andres Tunchez, Jr., 34, passed away on February 11, 2026. He was born on April 22, 1991.

Andres was a hardworking young man who worked many jobs throughout his life with different entities, always willing to lend a helping hand and do what was needed. He was known for his friendly nature and easygoing spirit.

He truly enjoyed music and could often be found listening to his favorite songs. Andres also loved visiting with friends, sharing laughs, and creating memories that will forever be cherished.

Though his time here was far too short, Andres will be remembered for his kind heart and the love he had for his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Carlos Gonzalez, and his paternal grandparents, Gloria Tunchez and Arnold Tunchez.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ashlee G. Tunchez; one daughter, Andrea Tunchez; two stepdaughters, Elli A. Barrientes, and Alyza N. Barrientes; his parents, Maria Sanchez and Adrian Tunchez; two brothers, Adrian Tunchez, Jr. and Ariel Tunchez; one sister, Angelica Tunchez; maternal grandmother, San Juana Gonzalez; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home in San Diego beginning at 8:00 a.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service. Burial to follow at the San Diego Cemetery No.2.

​Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Sara Sanchez, 93, passed away peacefully at her residence surrounded by her loving family on February 10, 2026. She was born in Estancia de Animas, Mexico to Santiaga Casteneda and was blessed with a long and meaningful life surrounded by love.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Luis Sanchez; her son, Florentino Sanchez, and a daughter; Blanca Sanchez.

Sara was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother. She was deeply cherished by her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. A homemaker for most of her years, she cared for her family with unwavering love, patience, and strength. She also enjoyed attending Bible classes, which brought her comfort and peace.

She is survived by her son, Martin G. Sanchez; her daughters, Maria Blanca Sanchez and Rosa Diaz; her grandson, Martin Florentino Sanchez Jr.; her granddaughters, Lorena Casso Diaz and Rebecca Casso Diaz; and her sisters, Maria Elena Ramos and Belen Hernandez, along with many loving extended family members.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the IHOP staff for always taking such wonderful care of our mom and for bringing joy to her life. We are also deeply grateful to Haven Skilled Nursing for nine years of compassionate and dedicated care, treating our mother with dignity and love.

A special thank you to Father Pasala and Father James for their prayers and blessings.

We are truly blessed to have had our mom for 93 years, and her memory will forever live on in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home in San Diego, Texas with a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church in San Diego. Burial to follow at the San Diego Cemetery.

​Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

​Abel Barrera, age 95, passed peacefully, leaving behind a life rich in love, hard work, and family. Born on October 3rd, 1930, he was the beloved son of Jose M. Barrera and Maria P. Barrera.
 
A devoted family man, Abel was known for his strong work ethic, steady presence, and deep love for those around him. He took pride in providing for his family and found joy in life’s simple pleasures—working with tractors, cooking outside, listening to music, spending time with his buddies, and enjoying the occasional beer. A loyal Dallas Cowboys fan, he proudly cheered on his team through the years.
 
Abel was preceded in death by his loving parents; his son, Abel Barrera Jr.; his daughter, Cynthia Barrera; his son-in-law, Cosme Tijerina; and his granddaughters, Emma M. Gonzalez and Ashley M. Gutierrez.
 
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Bernardina V. Barrera; his daughters, Viola (Lorenzo) Soliz, Irene Barrera Gonzalez, Odilia (Mike) Rodriguez, Belinda(†Cosme) Tijerina, Clementina (Eloy) Gutierrez, and Noemi Barrera (Eloy Lazo); and his son, Ariel (Laura) Barrera. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with numerous extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
 
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Altus Hospice and Windsor Nursing Home for their compassionate care, kindness, and support during Abel’s final days.
 
Abel lived a long, full life grounded in dedication, resilience, and love. He will be deeply missed and always remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
​
Active Pallbearers:
Brandon Barrera, Abel Lazo, Jacob Trigo, Isaac Gonzalez, Justin Olvera, and Ayden Gonzalez.
 
Honorary Pallbearers:
Tristan Barrera and Liam Barrera.

 Visitation will begin on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home in San Diego, Texas followed by a Prayer Service at 2:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home Chapel. Burial to follow at the San Diego Cemetery.