Anita Barron Cortez

Anita Barron Cortez, a beloved, religious, and compassionate woman, passed away on Christmas Day, 2025 at the age of 89. Born on November 3, 1936, in San Antonio, Texas, Anita remained a lifelong resident of her Southeast side community.

Anita’s strong faith in God was evident from an early age, having attended Immaculate Heart of Mary School in downtown San Antonio, and attending mass every day at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. As an adult, her commitment to her parish of St. Michael’s Catholic Church was unwavering, where she spent many years teaching CCD and decorating the hall for festive events.

She began her working career at an early age at Kress Department Store in downtown San Antonio before marrying and becoming a military wife in 1961 to support her spouse in his 20-year career in the Army. During that time, she endured years of raising her family on her own due to her spouse being deployed in military bases around the world, and in the Korean and Vietnam wars. A fiercely independent woman, Anita managed to raise her three children with all the love and devotion of a two-parent household.

After her husband’s retirement from the military in 1978, Anita once again entered the workforce and earned her GED from Sidney Lanier High School in 1981. She devoted her professional life to Herff Elementary School, first as a cafeteria worker and crossing guard from 1978 to 1981, and later as a teacher’s aide from 1981 to 1993.

Anita was deeply involved in her community, serving as a member of the Eastside Advisory Council of the Boys’ Club of San Antonio, a band booster member at Page Middle School and Brackenridge High School, a member of the Herff Elementary Boy Scouts Pack 15 Committee, and a member of Metro Alliance. She was also a dedicated member of the Guadalupanas and Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, Council 9342 for many decades. Her volunteer efforts included teaching CCD at St. Michael’s Church, serving as a lector, and working as a CCD Secretary. Additionally, she assisted the Red Cross of San Antonio as an assistant to the Disaster Services Coordinator (her late husband) from 2002 to 2022.

Anita is preceded in death by her late husband, Eugenio R. Cortez Jr., whom she was married to for 62 years until his passing in April of 2024. Also, by her parents Porfirio & Maria Barron, and both of her siblings, Theresa Lopez and Juanita Barron. She is survived by her children, Martin Cortez (Mercedes) of San Antonio, Texas, Anne Marie Bryan (Patrick) of Havre De Grace, Maryland, John Cortez (Laura), and “son” Michael Barron (Carin) of Buffalo, New York. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Eric Cortez (Maria), Brandon Cortez, Christian Cortez, Angelina Cortez, Jeremiah Mata, Cat Mata, and Natasha Mata, and her great-grandchildren, Alexander Cortez, Ezekiel Cortez, Ariana Cortez, Alina Mata and Audrina Flores; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was the devoted matriarch of her family, always supportive, always loving and always cherishing time spent with everyone. She now goes to be with her husband to reunite and rekindle their many adventures together.

Anita Barron Cortez’s legacy of love, service, and faith will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.