Maria "Susie" Villalobos

Maria—most commonly known as Susie, Memaw, or simply, Mom—was a retiree of Hendricks Medical Center, where she worked for over 30 years. When not working at the hospital, she generously spent much of her spare time caring for and assisting senior citizens across the city, often bringing home the lovely stories of those whom she effortlessly conversed.

Of the many memorable qualities, Susie can be remembered as most likely greeting you with a good ol’, warm-hearted “Howdy!” She was proud to bleed red, white ,and blue, and whole-heartedly supported the US military where some of her extended family now serve in the US Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. She loved her country and waived the American flag with honor. Unwaveringly supporting all of her passions, Susie also was a devoted fan of her children’s high school and mascot, the Abilene High School Eagles; win or lose, she cheered on the Black and Gold for over five decades.

Faced with ailments in the latter years of her life, Susie fought them as best she could, and as a God-fearing Christian, she trusted in the plans God had for her. She spent the last five years of her life in Quitman, TX where she resided with and was cared for by her eldest daughter.

Susie leaves a legacy of love, patriotism, courage, and boldness, and is survived by her seven children: Hilda Villalobos, Mary Villalobos, Oscar Jr. Villalobos, Barney Villalobos, Susan Villalobos, Jessica Martinez, and Jacob Villalobos. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

To those that were blessed to have known her, it could not be denied that her heart was as big as Texas; willing to give anything she had to anyone in need. She dearly loved all her children and raised them with selflessness, compassion, and incredible strength—core traits and beliefs her loved ones all encompass and strive to live by. Her legacy, love and life will be proudly remembered and celebrated.

Susie will be laid to rest in the Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery on Friday October 30th at 2:00 PM.