Maria Luisa Ortega Chavez

Fiercely independent, strong-willed, and God-fearing, Maria fully embraced her role as the matriarch of her large, and still-growing family. Known for her sharp sense of humor and fiery personality, she was committed to her faith and devoted to her family.

She enjoyed dancing, country music, and dressing up no matter the occasion, especially in her cowboy boots. Quite skilled with her hands, she could sew, hem, crochet and repair all types of clothing, becoming the go-to person for personalized items or tailoring. She sewed school clothes for her children (hewing closely to the then-current styles), crocheted blankets and scarves, and hand-sewed pillows. Above all, her greatest joy was being a grandmother and great-grandmother.

Born to Leandro and Emeteria Ortega in Earle, Texas, just south of San Antonio, as a child she enjoyed the outdoors, often exploring the Medina River, fishing, and hunting. She was also an excellent cook, and she enjoyed picking pecans, chili pequins, and nopalitos. She attended Southside Independent School District before marrying Norberto M. Chavez in 1963, with whom she had three children. Together, they self-made a successful painting company, Chavez Painters.

Persistent to complete her education, she worked to eventually earn her GED. She later worked several jobs as she transitioned towards fully dedicating her time to caring for her grandchildren, and later her numerous great-grandchildren, who knew her as their “Nana.”

Forever in our hearts, she will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.

Maria is survived by her children, Virginia Chavez (Roy), Norberto Chavez, III (Lisa), and Nick Chavez, and her grandchildren, Jorge Gallegos (Michelle), Angel Gallegos (Sabrina), Maria Gallegos, Emanuel Gallegos (Sarah), Norberto Chavez, IV, Justin Chavez (Victoria), Cody Chavez (Elena), and Jazmin Chavez. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Kendra, Miranda, Zoe, Zariah, Saleen, Emanuel II, Chevelle, Jade, Julia, and Trenton. Maria’s surviving siblings are Leandro Ortega, Alejandro Ortega, Reynaldo Ortega, Guadalupe Olguin, and Ruben Longoria. Maria was preceded in death by her parents, husband Norberto M. Chavez, and siblings Enrique Ortega, Jose Luis Ortega, Arturo Ortega, Teresa Ochoa, and Celia Travieso.

A visitation for Maria will be held on Monday, July 3, 2023, from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Trevino Funeral Home with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm. On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, a Mass of resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 am at El Carmen Catholic Church with interment to follow at El Carmen Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelpaloalto.com for the Ortega Chavez family.