Esther G. Lerma

Esther Lerma, 79, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on September 29, 1946, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Rafael and Beatrice Garcia, Esther lived a life defined by devotion to her faith, her family, and the simple joys that brought people together.

She graduated from Miller High School and, on April 28, 1967, married the love of her life, Pete Lerma Sr. Together they built a life rooted in love, partnership, and shared adventures. Esther dedicated more than 30 years of her life as an administering manager for a private clinic, where her compassion and strength touched countless lives before retiring in 1997. She later made her home in Mathis, Texas, before returning to Houston in 2014.

To know Esther was to feel loved. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and belonging. She had a special love for the holidays, especially Christmas. Her treasured Christmas villages stayed on display year-round, a reflection of the joy she carried in her heart every day. Holidays meant family, friends, and lively BINGO games that filled the room with laughter long into the night. She may have been a little competitive, but what mattered most to her was the joy shared in those moments.

Esther also had a love for travel and adventure. She explored Europe and the Far East with her beloved husband, often alongside her sister and best friend, Dalia.

She was the heart of her family, loving, kind, warm, compassionate, and endlessly generous. Her greeting was unforgettable, a bright smile, a cheerful “Hi Babe,” and a hug that made you feel completely loved. Those embraces will be missed more than words can say.

Her greatest pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. She celebrated each of their accomplishments as if they were her own, always lifting them up with encouragement and unconditional love. Her faith in the Lord guided her life, and it is that same faith that now brings comfort, knowing she rests in eternal peace with those who went before her.

She is reunited in heaven with her parents, Rafael and Beatrice Garcia; her beloved husband, Pete Lerma Sr.; and her brother, Abel Garcia.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children, Pete Lerma Jr., Kathie Minsball (Daniel), and Marcus Lerma (Denise); her siblings, Joe, Hector, Dalia, Aida, Amanda, and Norma; and her cherished grandchildren, Jordan Lerma, Maddy Lerma, and Roman Lerma, who were the light of her life.

Her family extends their deepest gratitude to the nurses and aides who cared for her with such tenderness and dignity. A very special thank you to her sister and best friend, Dalia Cantu, whose unwavering love and presence never left her side. To all the family and friends who visited in her final months, your time, your love, and your presence brought her comfort and joy.

Esther’s life was a beautiful example of love in action. Though her absence leaves an ache in the hearts of those who loved her, her spirit lives on in every hug, every laugh, every holiday gathering, and every whispered “Hi Babe” carried in memory.