Maria del Socorro Kypuros

Born in Mexico to Cruz and Jovita Ortiz, Maria immigrated to McAllen, Texas at age 16, quickly embracing a new culture and language. A true pioneer, she was the first in her family to pursue higher education, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology from Incarnate Word College (now University of the Incarnate Word) in San Antonio, where she remained a loyal alumna., and was inducted into the IWU Golden Spire Society in 2008.

Maria’s life was defined by service and family. She married Lt. Basilio Kypuros Jr. USAF in 1961, embarking on a beautiful 56-year marriage until his death in 2017. As a devoted Air Force wife, she supported her husband with pride, courage and resilience through their moves to various bases around the US, and the challenging times of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War. During their 56 years together, she managed to maintain a collective 30-year career as a Medical Technologist specializing in Pathology, Immunology, Serology, and Hematology, primarily at Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.

A dedicated mother and passionate volunteer, over the course of her life serving as a Red Cross volunteer, a Scout Den Mother, teaching CCD to name a few; and once retired and until 2016 was an active member of the Emmaus Catholic Church Choir at Lakeway, Texas, and volunteered countless hours as a translator and assistant at Emmaus Healthcare Free Clinic.

Maria's greatest pride was her family. She was a loving wife and mother of three, a cherished grandmother of seven, and a delighted great-grandmother of two. Her warmth, tenacity, and deep faith will live on through them.

She is survived by her children: Marie Kypuros Howard (Chris), Basilio Anthony Kypuros (Lynne), and Richard Reymundo Kypuros; her seven grandchildren: Patrick Howard, Matthew Howard (Michelle), Curtis Howard, Nina Howard (Ryn), Katie Kypuros, Emma Kypuros, and Guy Kypuros; her two great-grandsons: Christopher Howard and Julian Howard; her brother, Cruz Antonio Ortiz (Mary); and numerous extended family and friends.

Coco embodied grace under pressure, dedication to duty, and the quiet strength of a true matriarch. She will be dearly missed.

A visitation will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough, located at 1101 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212, on November 24, 2025, starting at 5:00 pm. A rosary will follow at the same location on the same day at 6:00 pm.

A mass will be conducted at Our Lady of Grace Church, 223 E Summit Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212, on November 25, 2025, at 10:00 am. The committal service will take place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209, on November 25, 2025, at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor to Santa Rosa (Christus Foundation), the University of Incarnate Word, or Catholic Charities of San Antonio or Austin are sincerely appreciated.