Mary Hernandez Acosta

Maria Hernandez Acosta, age 88, entered eternal rest on February 25, 2026 peacefully while surrounded by family in Austin, Texas. She was born January 21, 1938 in Presidio, Texas, a daughter of the late Rosendo Hernandez and Maria Ester Hernandez. She was known as Mary, or Nina to her siblings whom she helped raise after her mother passed at a young age.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years Homero Acosta Sr., brothers Rufino Hernandez and Jesus Hernandez. She is survived and missed by her three children Homer Acosta Jr. and wife Melissa, Esther Bull and husband Mick and Diana Salazar and husband Carlos. Her grandchildren Victoria, Amanda, Jacob, Matthew, Carlos III and Mia will hold dear their memories of her cooking, including the Tamaladas when Grandma would check their work to make sure the tamales were up to par. Her loyal companion, Goldie, will miss finding treats in Mary’s purse after she dined out.

Mary had a large family and is survived by siblings Rosendo Hernandez, Teresa Carrasco, Velma Molinar, Claudia Hernandez, Irma Magallan, Julia Barrazas, Rosario Rodriguez and Abel Rodriguez. There are also many other members of her family that include brother and sister-in-laws and many nieces, nephews and God children that she loved dearly. A heartfelt thanks to her niece, Laura Castillo, who faithfully kept in touch through visits, phone calls, cards and prayers.

She and Homer, her husband, were very involved in their church parish, St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Austin, Tx. She was a founding member of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Society and grew very close to fellow members. She was also active in the Monday Morning Prayer Group and the Rosary Makers Group. Many parishioners will remember seeing her cooking and selling gorditas at the annual church festival. Her faithfulness to her church and these organizations continued after Homer’s death, and we are thankful to them for their friendship and spiritual support.

As her children, we will cherish the memories of our mother that will remain with us always. The very long Scrabble games because she always had to use the “triple word” score and would usually end up winning the game. The family meals and holiday celebrations spent together. The family trips and picnics throughout the years. The hour long grocery shopping trip for just a few items because she had to use a coupon for every item. We are grateful for these times.

We would like to thank the staff at Live Oak Estates Assisted Living and Magnolia Hospice for the kindness and compassionate care extended to our mother in the last chapter of her life.

Services will be held in El Paso, Texas, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, with a vigil and mass at St. Raphael's Catholic Church at 10:30 A.M. Her ashes will be interred with her husband, Homer, afterwards at Fort Bliss National Cemetery at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in Mary’s memory to the Dementia Society of America at https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate or St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Austin, Texas.