Maria Anita “Annie” Cortez peacefully entered into eternal rest at her residence in Falfurrias, Texas on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at the age of 81. She was born on February 25, 1940 to Isidoro Aguilar and Carolina Sandoval Aguilar in Ganado, Texas. She married the love of her life Israel De Leon Cortez and were together for fifty-one years until his passing. Together, they raised four children.
Annie always had a love of music. While she attended San Benito High school, she participated in the choir program where she was recognized as one of Texas’s best by being chosen to be in the Texas All State Choir in 1958. That choir was recognized internationally and performed all over Texas as well as in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, St. Louis, Missouri and Monterrey, Mexico. She then began her formal studies in music at Texas Southmost College and focused on building her family before starting her career in education as a teacher’s aide at the Lasater Elementary School in Falfurrias. While a teacher’s aide, she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education and became a teacher. Subsequently, she earned a Master’s Degree and became a Reading Specialist where she educated students, in various school districts, for over 20 years until her retirement.
She was also a strong believer in the Lord and an avid and faithful member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Falfurrias. She dedicated over 30 years of her vocal talent as a Cantor for the Sacred Heart congregation. She also played the guitar, piano and ukulele. She loved birdwatching and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Annie was reunited in Heaven with her parents, Isidoro Aguilar, Carolina Sandoval and her husband, Israel Cortez.
She leaves behind her family who will forever cherish her memories. Three sons, Ricardo (Lucy) Cortez of Laredo, Texas, Gilbert (Louella) Cortez of Falfurrias and Mario Cortez of Cedar Creek, Texas; daughter, Belinda Cortez of Falfurrias; four grandchildren, Marcus Andrew (Hilary) Cortez of Dilley, Texas, Justin Matthew Cortez of Hebbronville, Texas, Mikaela Victoria Cortez of Falfurrias and Leo Israel Cortez of Cedar Creek; three great-grandchildren, Aliyah, Elijah and Ilianna Cortez; numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and extended family members and friends.
Pallbearers will be: Marcus A. Cortez, Justin M. Cortez, Robert Cortez, Robert G. Cortez, Esteban D. Cortez and George F. Oaks II. Honorary Pallbearer: Leo Israel Cortez.
Due to the current ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, attendance for funeral services will be limited to 100 attendees.
Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 19, 2021 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Falfurrias with Visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. Services will conclude with a 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito, Texas.
