With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the beautiful life of our beloved Mom, Mary—a woman of deep faith, unwavering prayer, and boundless love. She touched the lives of so many with her kindness, generosity, and joyful spirit.
For over 15 years, Mary faithfully served at the International Christian Center Church, where her gentle spirit and heartfelt prayers uplifted many. Her involvement with the Women’s Aglow Fellowship enriched her journey of faith, and she inspired others to live with compassion, grace, and a steadfast belief in God’s love.
Mary’s creative talents brought joy and beauty into the lives of those around her. Her exquisite floral arrangements were not only a craft but a heartfelt expression of her love, as she generously shared them with family, friends, and colleagues. Equally memorable were the delightful moments spent around her kitchen, where her famous rum cake and other treats became a symbol of her warmth and care. Mary took immense pride in her daughters and their achievements, and as a devoted grandmother, she cherished every trip to San Antonio to visit her grandchildren—always excited to surprise them with thoughtful shopping and kind gestures.
As we reflect on Mary’s remarkable life, we are comforted by the enduring legacy of her kindness, faith, and love. Her life reminds us to nurture our spirits, cherish our loved ones, and approach each day with the same generosity and joy that she so effortlessly embodied.
In honor of her memory, we hold close the words of Scripture:
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
—1 Corinthians 13:13
May Mary’s soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire us to live with a full and loving heart.
Mary is survived by her daughters: Belinda Almendarez (Joe) and Irma Nava (Mario); her grandchildren: Michelle Cantu (Leroy), Joe Almendarez Jr. (Erika), Rebekah Nava and Andrew Nava; her great grandchildren: Aiden Cantu, Brody Cantu, Dominic Cantu, Miesha Cantu, Olivia Almendarez and Avery Almendarez.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband: Joe I. Espejo †; her parents: Meliton Maza † and Gudelia Vera †; her siblings: Meliton Maza Jr †, George Maza †, Gudelia Sawyer † and Irma Hockaday †.
A visitation for Mary will be held Monday, February 17, 2025 from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM in Chapel of Angels, at Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista, 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521. A chapel service will occur Monday, February 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Chapel of Angels, 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521. A burial will occur Monday, February 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521.
Serving as pallbearers are: Joe Almendarez Jr, Andrew J. Nava, Brody Cantu, Dominic Cantu, Leroy Cantu and Aiden Cantu.
