Maria Zulema Mata

Maria married the love of her life, Jose C. Mata Sr., in May 1967 in Sanger, California.

Maria Zulema began her career working in uniform cleaning and pressing at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi before dedicating her life to being a loving and devoted homemaker.

She had a passion for shopping, scratch-offs, spending time with her sisters, attending church, enjoying lunch outings, and playing Lotería on the weekends. She loved traveling with her family, watching her loved ones play sports, and cherishing every moment spent with her children and grandchildren.

Some of her favorite memories included celebrating her New Year’s Day birthday, watching her beloved novelas and cowboy movies, and making tortillas for her family and extended family.

Maria Zulema was the spiritual heart of her family a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. After becoming a widow, her unwavering faith in God became her guiding light. Through her daily prayers, quiet strength, and steadfast values, she instilled faith and love in her children, grandchildren, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jose C. Mata; her parents, Pedro B. Garcia and Francisca Garcia; her sisters, Maria Blanca Salas and Frances Delgado; and her brothers, Pedro Garcia Jr., Juan Garcia, and Jose Noe Garcia.

She is survived by her children: Veronica (Ricardo) Santos, Jose (Mary Lou) Mata Jr., Joel (Eva) Santos Mata, and Mary (Patrick) Mata; as well as her grandchildren: Ricardo Santos IV, Muriah Williams, Marissa Santos, Julyssa Mendez, Joshua Flores, Caleb Hodges, Justin Mata, Isabella Mata, Marina Mata, and Joe Anthony Mata. Maria is also survived by a brother; Hector Garcia and sisters; Linda Reyna, Teresa Mendiola, Cruz Mendiola and Guadalupe Colunga along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm at Funeraria Del Angel Cheyenne, located at 549 Cheyenne St., Corpus Christi, TX 78405 with continued visitation will be on Friday, November 14 from 8:30 am until 9:30 am for departure for a 10:00 am Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Burial to follow at Memory Gardens Memorial Park located at 8200 Old Brownsville Road, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses from Choice Health at Home, the nurses and CNA from Gentiva Hospice (Michelle D., Michelle, Katherine, and CNA Andrea), and to her four sisters and niece, Amanda Gonzalez, for their loving care and support.

Maria Zulema will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her deep love for family, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.