Beatrice Arriaga Marquez

Beatrice “Bea” Arriaga Marquez, age 93, peacefully passed away into eternal rest on August 31, 2025, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by her two daughters and her eldest granddaughter. She was reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband of 68 years, Domingo Cerda (Sandy, D.C.) Marquez, whom she married in 1952, and was with until his passing in April 2020. Their remarkable love story began in Houston and endured for nearly seven decades, built on faith, steadfast love, and family.

Born in Houston, Texas, and a multi-generational Texan, Beatrice was always proud to be from the Fifth Ward community, which she touted to everyone who met her. She never forgot where she came from and took pride in her Latino heritage.

She was preceded in death by her father, Manuel Arriaga; her mother, Sarah C. Gutierrez; her stepfather, Joe Gutierrez; her brother, Manuel Arriaga; her parents-in-law, Benjamin and Mary Marquez; her husband, Domingo Marquez; and her beloved son, David Anthony Marquez.

Her surviving children include Beatrice Ann Marquez (Deborah), Patricia Romano (Robert), Daughter-in-law Cindy Marquez, Robert J. Marquez, and nephew Michael Arriaga (Tish), whom she loved like a son. Grandchildren she adored: Sabrina L. Morales, R.N. (John), Robert J. Marquez, Staff Sergeant USMC Retired (Yvette), LCDR Victor L. Marquez, U.S. Navy, Jennifer McLean-Levine (Mike), Michael McLean, and Jon Marquez.

Beatrice also embraced her bonus grandchildren as her own: Daniel Silber (Gabby Tierlizzi), Michelle Silber, Nicholas Romano, and Michael Romano (Michaella). She leaves behind her great-grandchildren: Nicholaus, Anthony, Santiago, David, Madelyn, and Lucas, and bonus great-grandchildren John Daniel Morales and Christina Morales.

Beatrice is also survived by her loving sisters-in-law, Lucy Stafford, Josephine Marquez, and Ophelia Marquez, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The heart of her family, Beatrice will always be remembered by those who knew her as loving, faithful, and full of grace, but she was never a shrinking violet. She carried herself with quiet strength and instilled in her children and grandchildren the values of education, toughness, resilience, and perseverance. Her legacy is not only one of love and kindness, but also of courage and determination.

Beatrice, alongside Domingo, worked to support social change in Houston during the pivotal years of the 1950s through the 1980s, embodying her deep commitment to social justice, education, empowering communities, and fighting for student and parent rights.

Born with an incomparable work ethic, Beatrice obtained her cosmetology license and became a respected cosmetologist. First at Foleys Federated at 1110 Main Street in Downtown Houston, where she proudly refused to get up from her seat at a drugstore lunch counter, even though she risked losing her job; An account of how things were back in that time. Then later, after years at Foley’s, she went to work at Neiman Marcus in Downtown Houston. She quickly became popular and worked on a few Houston VIPS. More important than her talent for making women physically beautiful, her higher calling was listening to their stories, offering sound, frank advice, and creating an environment where her clients felt seen, heard, and empowered.

Beatrice’s skills and charm caught the attention of Michel Kazan, the stylist credited with creating the famous bouffant hairstyle for a First Lady. He invited Beatrice to New York City to help open a salon for the rich and famous—an opportunity that might have led to her own salon under his mentorship. With a smile and certainty of heart, Beatrice declined the glamorous offer, choosing instead to stay in Houston with her husband and child. Family always came first, a decision she never once regretted.

Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life, instilled by her grandmother, mother, aunts, and uncles, who all helped out after Beatrice lost her father at the tender age of 10 to tuberculosis. Beatrice’s legacy is one of steadfast love—to God, to family, and to the service of others. She created a home where traditions were honored, laughter and music were abundant, home-cooked meals were ready to feed everyone who walked in her front door, and faith was ever-present.

Beatrice was a respected member of the Catholic Church and volunteered throughout her life to support food, clothing, and Christmas gift drives. She helped raise three grandchildren and supported her husband’s pursuit of his undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, all while working as a business owner of various hair salons throughout the Denver Harbor neighborhood. Beatrice was also a member of countless PTOs and Parent Booster Clubs, a faithful field trip volunteer, and a dedicated community volunteer. Her door was always open to her children’s friends, whom she welcomed with love and a snack. Affectionately known as “Momma Bea,” she became a second mother to many children who were blessed by her warmth and generosity.

Beatrice’s favorite things were cooking, reading, gardening, volunteering, attending Catholic mass, and all genres of music and dancing. She and Domingo loved the arts and were forever attending a musical event in Downtown Houston. Their favorite venue was Jones Hall, where they enjoyed the Houston Symphony. In their later and retired years, Beatrice and Domingo sang scores of patriotic songs in the Salute to America Choir, which provided a Musical Tribute to Hispanic Military Heroes and their families, at Talento Bilingue, under the sponsorship of Honorable Judge Armando V. Rodriguez, Precinct 6.

The family extends deep gratitude to Dale T., Dora M., Sonia N., Maira G., and Zee S., who were forever present in Beatrice’s life after her husband’s passing. They will always be considered sisters to Beatrice’s daughters, and the family thanks them for their love and devotion to their mommy, who loved them as her own daughters.

The family also extends heartfelt thanks to Devotion Hospice’s Mary W. (RN) and Angela A. (CNA); St. Edward Catholic Church’s Donna and Mary, who supported Beatrice’s Catholic faith; Ella Springs Retirement Senior Living Community; and the exceptional caring staff who lovingly cared for Beatrice for two years. Staff provided compassionate care and extended grace to her daughters, helping them keep the promise made to Domingo—to take great care of their mother.

Instead of flowers, please consider a donation in Beatrice’s honor to organizations whose work was near and dear to her heart.