Margaret (Monica) Ruiz-Cortez

Margaret Monica Ruiz-Cortez, 63, of League City, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Monica was born on August 15, 1962, in Galveston, Texas, and lived a life filled with love, faith, passion, and joy.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Martin Cortez of League City; her children, Nina Cortez of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Jacob Cortez of Eugene, Oregon; and two cherished grand-cats, Binxie and Karina. She is also survived by her sisters Yolonda Lopez of Texas City, Virginia Alvarado of Pearland, and Isabel Lopez of Galveston; her brother Joe Henry Ruiz of Pearland; and numerous nieces, nephews, and beloved friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.

She is preceded in death by her brother Eugenio Ruiz Jr.; her parents Pete and Margaret Gutierrez; her father Eugenio Ruiz Sr.; her brother Frank Ruiz; and her beloved dogs, Chiquita and Bonita.

Monica began her remarkable career at NASA Johnson Space Center in 1979 through a VOCT program at just 16 years old. She graduated from Hitchcock High School in 1980 and continued her work at NASA for an extraordinary 36 years, retiring on February 2, 2015. A year later, she embarked on a new chapter at Ellington Air Force Base, working with the STARBASE program for nine years. There, she devoted herself to teaching S.T.E.M. (Science Technology, Engineering and Math) to underprivileged children, a calling she embraced wholeheartedly until her full retirement in 2023.

A woman of deep faith, Monica was a devout member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in League City. She loved traveling, spending time in the mountains, listening to Tejano music, cooking and baking, shopping, decorating for every holiday, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying quiet mornings with the Today Show and a warm cup of coffee. Her dachshunds brought her endless joy, as did every moment spent sharing laughter with the people she loved.

Monica was known for her elegance—her beautiful almond-shaped red nails, her classic jewelry, her impeccable makeup, and her signature red lipstick. But above all, she will be remembered for her kindness. Monica was gentle, warmhearted, quick to help, and could always be found with a warm smile and a ton of humor.

She touched countless lives with her compassion and her unwavering spirit. Monica’s love, laughter, and light will continue to live on in the hearts of many. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Honorary Pallbearers: Jacob Cortez, Matthew Sharp Jr., Michael Sharp, Alex Lopez, Michael Gomez, Trey Gomez, Kenny Melancon, and Michael Copado