Maria Teresa Martir

Maria Teresa (Simpao) Martir passed away on June 24, 2019 at the age of 71. She was born in the Philippines on January 27, 1948. Born and raised in the Philippines, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and worked as a high school English teacher. She met the love of her life, Edgardo while they were in college. They were married on May 6, 1972. While raising 3 sons, they decided to move to the United States to provide a better future by allowing more opportunities for their children. She continued her passion of teaching while working at La Petite Academy and then moved on to teaching with Harris County Department of Education teaching adults English as a second language. Because of her warm and welcoming personality, she was able to build strong relationships with her students and they quickly learned because of her strong teaching skills. Tess and Edgardo spent many summers taking vacations with their sons including beaches of Florida and the Rio Frio. After retirement, Tess and Edgardo continued their love for traveling. Together they enjoyed many cruises, pilgrimages and sight-seeing. Their travels included returning home to the Philippines, Australia, Egypt, Jerusalem, Italy, England, France, Alaska and the Grand Canyon to name a few. One of their most memorable trips was getting baptized in the Jordan River. Tess and Edgardo shared their love of traveling with their grandchildren by taking them on cruise vacations. She adored her grandchildren and was happiest when she could see them together during family vacations or at their home. She was known by her family and friends as Mom, Lola, Tita, Tess, Maria, Teresa or Mrs. Martir but, however you knew her, you know that she encompassed the Filipino hospitality by spreading kindness and a friendly smile or starting a conversation with you. She always made you feel welcome and cared for. She was a devout and loving wife, mother and grandmother and was proud of her sons and grandchildren. She was adored and loved by her family and will be missed dearly.

Tess is survived by her loving husband, Edgardo Martir; their 3 sons and daughters-in-law, Edgardo and Anessa, Edward and Bernadette, and Edgar and Jennifer; 6 grandchildren, Ericah, Gabriel, Daniel, Ethan, Elizabeth, and Emily, brother-in-law, Estanislao and his wife Rowena and their sons, Eugene and Thomas and his wife Marissa, and numerous family members