Esmeralda Reyna

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and wife, Esmeralda Reyna , who departed this life on July 26, 2025, surrounded by the love and presence of her family.

Esmeralda was born on March 19, 1951, in San Antonio, Texas, to Carlota Mercado and Avelardo Hernandez . From the very beginning, she brought warmth and light to the world—a light that would go on to illuminate the lives of all who knew her.

A woman of quiet strength, unwavering love, and deep humility, Esmeralda lived her life with grace, joy, and generosity. She was fiercely independent, yet always put others before herself. She spoke her truth with clarity and kindness, and offered her heart freely to her family and friends. Her devotion to her beloved husband, Richard Reyna , was the foundation of a loving home. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, compassion, and enduring faith to God.

Esmeralda was the proud and loving mother of four daughters— Cynthia Haecker , Veronica Rodriguez (Jaime) , Amy Stewart (John) , and Michelle Conder —each a reflection of her strength, character, and boundless love. She found immense joy in her role as grandmother to Rudy Villa III , Frank Cordova III , April Guajardo , Ariana Cordova , Vincent Cordova , Victor Cordova , Brandon Smith , Megan Stewart , Henry Ruiz , and Alexandra Arzola , and was blessed to welcome 17 great-grandchildren into her heart.

Esmeralda had a passion for the simple pleasures in life—shopping, dancing, singing, and making crafts that expressed her vibrant, artistic soul. She especially loved painting and creating things with her hands, leaving behind countless mementos of her creativity. Her garden was her sanctuary, where she tenderly nurtured roses that bloomed with elegance and invited butterflies to dance around her—a mirror of the life she cultivated in her home and community..

Her life was a living testament to love and beauty. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, seen, and valued. Her laughter, spirit, and radiant smile could brighten any room.

Esmeralda now joins in eternal rest her parents, Carlota and Avelardo Hernandez , and her siblings Tony Hernandez , Roy Hernandez , Angie Ramos , and Adela Ytuarte.

She is survived by her loving husband, Richard Reyna , her daughters and their families, and her siblings Rita McClain, Elsa Rosa, Abel Hernandez, and Rudy Hernandez, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Though Esmeralda’s hands are now at rest, her memory will continue to bloom in the hearts of those who loved her. Her legacy of love, creativity, and compassion will never fade. The people we lose to death do not vanish-they live quietly within us. Their laughter and lessons find a home in our choice, their warmth lingers in the kindness we offer. Death may take their presence, but their spirit shapes the person we continue to become.