Maria Luisa Mora

Maria received a jump start into adulthood. Being the oldest of seven, her parents had her drop out of high school to help at home with her six siblings. Maria never worked outside of the home. That in itself is more than a full time job. At 20 years old, she married her beloved husband, Marcelino C. “M.C.” Mora, on March 16, 1958, in Hebbronville, Texas. She continued house hold duties raising her growing family and keeping the home fires burning. Together, they built their beautiful family of eight when they welcomed their six children into the world.

Maria was a loving and devoted mother and wife. In her early years, a lot of her free time was spent sewing when her children were in school. She also babysat her grandchildren and numerous other children. That’s what she did. She loved children. During her mid-life, she would enjoy going to play bingo weekly with her daughters, sisters & aunt. One of the greatest joys in her later life was going on trips to play the slot machines, where she would play for hours. In her most recent years, Maria enjoyed the simple joys in life and would complete word search puzzles as part of her daily routine.

One of Maria’s greatest love was family, food and feeding others. Maria’s family was extremely fond of her homemade tortillas. At least one of her kids (if not all of them) would sneak one of the tasty tortillas to enjoy before their family dinner. After her grandchildren’s sports games, they would spend Saturday mornings at her house for breakfast where they would spend quality time together and talk about how the game went. One of the family traditions was getting together before Christmas to make tamales for everyone to enjoy on Christmas Eve. Maria also enjoyed the annual family gatherings for Christmas Eve so her children could spend Christmas Day with their in-laws. Maria’s family fondly reminisces on their treasured memories with her. One of the most precious memories includes her chair at her daughter’s breakfast bar. Everyone knew Maria had a favorite chair at her daughter and son-in-law’s house. If someone was sitting in her chair when she walked in, they would automatically get up so she could sit there.

Whether it be dancing with her children to her favorite Spanish and Tejano music, or cooking a grand meal, one thing was for certain, Maria enjoyed spending time with her beloved family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Maria is reunited with her husband of 58 years, Marcelino C. “M.C.” Mora; parents, Luis and Maria Garza; brothers, Ramiro Garza, Luis Garza and sister-in-law, Ninfa Garza. She leaves her memories and legacy to her children, Maricella (Manuel) Zaragoza, Michael (Cindy) Mora, Melissa (Scott) Chapman, Mark (Stacey) Mora, Marty (Roxanna) Mora, and Manuel (Yesenia) Mora; 11 grandchildren, David S. Chapman Jr., Christopher R. (Aimee) Chapman, Michael A. Mora, Nicholas A. Mora, Julissa (Alejandro) Rodriguez, Spencer R. King, Alyssa R. Mora, Cody R. Mora, Matthew D. Mora, Amanda M. Mora, and Evan Mora; five great-grandchildren, Scarlett K. Chapman, David S. Chapman III, William A. Chapman, Asher J. Rodriguez, and Alcide J. Rodriguez; siblings, Ildefonso “Poncho” (Susie) Garza, Diana Valdez, Laura (Ovidio) Chapa, and Virginia “Vicky” Garcia; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Mora family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Villa South Assisted Living of Corpus Christi for keeping Maria safe and happy for the past year, they were a real blessing. They would also like to thank all the nurses and staff at Corpus Christi Medical Center Bay Area who tended to Maria’s needs. Lastly, they want to thank Corpus Christi Hospice and Windsor Nursing and Rehab for making Maria’s final transition period peaceful and comfortable.

Maria’s eight grandsons are bestowed with the honor of being her pallbearers. They are listed as follows: David S. Chapman Jr., Christopher Chapman, Michael A. Mora, Nicholas A. Mora, Spencer R. King, Cody R. Mora, Matthew D. Mora, and Evan Mora.

Visitation will be held from 5 PM until 9 PM on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, where a Holy Rosary will be recited that same night at 7 PM. A Funeral Celebration will be held at 10 AM on Monday, June 24, 2024, at Memory Gardens Funeral Home. Rite of Committal and Entombment will follow at Memory Gardens Mausoleum.