Maria R. Fraga

Born on May 12th, 1949, in Baytown, Texas, Maria was the eldest of seven siblings—four brothers and three sisters. She grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and love that carried throughout her life.

Maria worked for many years as a home health nurse, dedicating herself to the care of others before eventually retiring to focus on what mattered most to her: her family.

An active member of the Women’s Club at St. Francis Cabrini & Guadalupanas, Maria found joy in faith, fellowship, and service. She was known for her delicious home-cooked meals—especially her beloved vanilla pancakes and banana pudding—and for her devotion to her garden, always making sure her roses were well-tended. You could always find her roaming the isles of Walmart as she also loved to go shopping for hours. Above all, her greatest happiness came from time spent with her family, especially her children & grandchildren.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Ruben G. and Maria Luisa Rocha; her brothers Ruben Rocha and Roy Rocha; her niece Mari Gonzalez; and her beloved son, Joe R. Fraga.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Joe O. Fraga; her children and their spouses, JR & Diana Fraga, Matthew Fraga & former spouse, Lucy Fraga, Michael & Rosa Fraga; her grandchildren and their spouses, Adrianna & Justin Guerra, Joe Thomas & Miranda Fraga, Alyssa Fraga, Adilyn Fraga, Arabella Fraga, Vanessa Ayala, Luis Ayala, and Alexis & Nick Henley; and her great-grandchildren, Jaiden Barcenas and Mila Henley. She is also survived by her brothers, Gerardo Rocha and Bobby Rocha; her sisters, Yolanda Salas, Rosye Portales, and Teresa Gonzalez; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Maria was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her greatest pride was raising her three sons, and the deep love she shared with her husband, Joe, was the foundation of a life well-lived. Together, they celebrated over 50 years of marriage—a testament to their enduring love and commitment.

Maria’s legacy of love, strength, and family devotion will live on in all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral home located at 6900 Lawndale St, Houston, TX 77023 on May 16th, 2025 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm with a Rosary starting at 6:30pm. A Memorial Celebration of Maria’s life will be held Saturday, May 17th, 2025 at The American Legion Harrisburg Post 472 Hall, 7599 Avenue C, Houston, Texas 77012. from 2:00 PM to 6:00PM.