Maria F. Avila

On June 29, 2025, Maria Figueroa Avila (Oropeza) of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away peacefully at the age of 91. Maria was born on November 21, 1933, in Santa Cruz, Texas, to Nicanor Avila and Francisca Figueroa.

A devoted wife, mother, and lifelong community advocate, Maria raised 12 children alongside her beloved late husband, Roberto P. Oropeza Sr. While nurturing her growing family, Maria also worked for the City of Corpus Christi Housing Authority during the late 1960s and 1970s. Passionate about serving others, she became a steadfast voice for low-income families, working tirelessly to ensure access to housing, food, and medical care.

In the early 1990s, Maria continued her public service with the Utilities Department at City Hall in Round Rock, Texas. Throughout her life, she remained deeply committed to helping those in need, whether through organizing food drives, providing housing assistance, or offering personal guidance and support. Despite her many roles, Maria's greatest joy was her family. An exceptional cook, she loved gathering her children in the kitchen, where she not only passed down recipes but also imparted life lessons to them. She found happiness in music, dancing, reading, and especially in the laughter and company of children. Maria loved puzzles, particularly crosswords; she enjoyed the mental challenge they offered.

She was a great mother — a mother of 12, deeply loved by all her children. Maria loved unconditionally, opening her doors to anyone at any hour of the night. She would feed them, clothe them, give them a place to stay, and love them as if they were her own. She never turned her back on anyone. She was cherished not only by her children but also by all her grandchildren. Her love is the reason the family tree grew so large — she was its very root.

Most importantly, Maria was a woman of deep faith, praying daily and maintaining a constant prayer life. She was the glue that held the family together, staying strong when times were tough. She consistently offered advice and counsel to her children, grandchildren, friends, and even strangers.

She was known for her warm smile, hearty laugh, and remarkable sense of humor. Her nurturing spirit touched all, leaving an unforgettable imprint on the lives she encountered.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Roberto P. Oropeza Sr.; her sons, David Oropeza, and Roberto Oropeza Jr.; and her grandson, Gustavo Oropeza Jr.

Maria is lovingly remembered and survived by her ten children: Linda Oropeza, Gloria (David) Torres, Gustavo Oropeza, Anna Oropeza, Esther (Rodolfo) Martinez, Lupita (Jaime) Alaniz, Angelita (Robert) Rosales, Ernesto Oropeza, Joe (Stephanie) Oropeza, Ricardo (Bettye) Oropeza; 30 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren and one sister, Natalia Pequeno.

Serving as pallbearers: Rudy Martinez Jr., Jaime Alaniz Jr., Eric Martinez, Adam Rosales, Isaak Gonzales, Joshua Torres, Jose Hernandez Jr., and Jacob Oropeza. Honorary pallbearers Raul Garcia, Michael Garcia, and Frankie Gonzales Jr.

Maria's legacy of love, resilience, and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Visitation hours on July 17th are from 5:00 PM to midnight at Funeraria Del Angel, 4901 Everhart, Corpus Christi, Texas, with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 PM. On July 18th, Funeraria Del Angel will open at 8:00 AM for final goodbyes, with a Funeral Mass beginning at 1:00 PM at Holy Family Church, 2509 Nogales, Corpus Christi, Texas. Interment to follow mass at Memory Gardens.

Our family would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to Olivia Longoria, Mom's provider, for her loving care over the past 11 years. We also wish to thank Dr. Oloyo, Dr. Frank Martinez, Dr. Mario Martinez, and Dr. Julio Sanchez for their compassionate care throughout the years, as well as Estrella Home Health, Del Cielo Home Health and AADI Hospice for keeping our mother comfortable until she began her new journey.

We appreciate everyone for supporting our family during this time with prayers, texts, phone calls, food, and visits.

You are welcome to join the family for a meal to celebrate and share heartfelt memories of our mom immediately after the interment.

Further details to follow.