Wickedly smart, filled with love, sometimes judgmental, and a tad spoiled, Maria Orfiria Villarreal, ‘Momo’, lived a life filled with the joys and losses that accompany deep love. Cherished by her parents, Alfredo and San Juana Flores, Momo modeled the love and care she learned as a child. The last living of her siblings, Cruz, Sophia, Sabino, Eusebio, Ramona, she remembered them always and enjoyed sharing memories and treasuring photos with all who knew them. We can only imagine that the family portrait is complete with her presence.
Though still a child when she married her husband, Raymond H. Villarreal Sr (deceased), and raised her children, she guided each of them in their varied paths. She spent her early life raising children and cleaning homes. Those who knew her as the owner of the Pecan Lounge likely recall both her business acumen and sharp wit.
She loved traveling and most enjoyed Paris, Hawaii, Hamilton in Chicago, and Disney Cruises where they brought her every sweet dessert she desired. She loved horror movies and the Hallmark channel, coke and cake, and the simple joys of sitting in the sun with her sewing or wandering the aisles of Walmart. Despite the daily pains of a body that worked far too hard for far too long, Momo lived her life in love.
She leaves behind her only son, Raymond F. Villarreal Jr. (Gloria), whom she loved deeply; daughter, Rose Villarreal, with whom she loved talking to almost every day; and daughter, Mary Ann Villarreal (Lisa), whose life was infinitely changed by her love. She knew a grief that no mother should know, preceded in death by daughters, Jo Ann Perez and Nancy Villarreal. We dream that the gates of heaven opened quickly upon her arrival and a path was opened to hasten her reunion with her two daughters.
Though separated by miles she wondered daily about her grandchildren, Michelle (deceased), Erika, and Derrick, reminiscing about their childhood activities and worrying on their futures to anyone who would listen. She asked always about Rose’s children and grandchildren, especially Isaiah, praying daily for his well-being and health. She loved to sit and talk with Jennifer, whose presence brought her peace and comfort. She looked forward to her weekly calls with Mary and Richard, and her special calls with Coco and Esmeralda.
Perhaps there was no greater joy than when she was visited by her nieces, Priscilla, Annie, Rosie, and Beatrice who catered to her every need and listened to stories about her siblings. She blessed the lives of “her girls,” grandchildren, Amaris and Aliana. She always said aloud that they made her arthritic pain bearable, that her last wish was to see them grow up into beautiful people. She spent her weekends with Aliana, making her fideo and letting her watch anything she wanted on TV, and she overpaid Amaris for cutting her yard as a way of sneaking $20 when Mary Ann objected. Though dementia had started to settle in, during her lucid moments, she remained sharp and witty, making us shake our heads with a chuckle.
The world gained brightness and vibrancy on July 3, 1934. Though the grief that flooded our days on December 23, 2021 seems to overwhelm, we know that her legacies of love and wisdom endure. Join us at Colonial Funeral Home, Victoria, Texas in celebrating her life on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Family and friends gathering at 10:00 am followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am. Please share memories with the family at www.wasatchlawn.com & www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com.
