She was born on August 18th, 1927 to Pedro and Maria Flores in Corpus Christi, Texas and was a graduate of Corpus Christi Senior High School class of 1946. A long-time member of the St. Pius X Catholic Church, Maria had an unwavering faith in God which allowed her to enjoy her life to the fullest and conquer any challenge that came before her.
Maria married Jimmy R. Rocha on September 27th, 1947 and they were joined in matrimony for 71 years. Both Maria and Jimmy have been life-long residents of Corpus Christi where they raised 3 children, had 5 grandchildren and 7 great -grandchildren.
In addition to raising a family, Maria worked along-side her husband at the Southern Community Gas Company for several years and eventually retired from Sears Roebuck in the late 1980's after over 10 years of service.
She was always interested in higher learning and instilling in her grandchildren the importance of obtaining an education. An avid baseball fan, she also enjoyed watching and cheering for her favorite teams, the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros. Her other interests included drawing, reading, writing, playing bingo, talking with friends and family and an occasional trip with her husband to Coushatta where she was an avid slot machine player.
Maria will be remembered most for her gentle yet stern demeanor, overwhelmingly generous heart, remarkable sense of humor, quick wit and unwavering love and devotion to her family. She was a true role model in every facet of life.
Maria is survived by her husband, Jimmy; her daughter Lolly Starkweather and husband Michael, son Paul Estrada and wife Crystal, and son Richard Rocha; 5 grandchildren: Candy Bonilla and husband Robert, Tony Smith and wife Evelyn, Richard De La Garza and wife Sandra, Heidi Garcia and husband Chris, and Marcie Rocha; 7 great-grandchildren: Taylor Sellers, Ava & Naomi Briley, Phillip & Emma Garcia and Alexander & Lilybell; her sister Stella Ortiz; her brothers Andrew Flores and wife Purl, Jesus Flores and wife Maggie, Johnny Flores and wife Mary; brother-in-law Albert Rocha; sister-in-law Rosa Beltran; daughter-in-law Norma Acuna and husband Randy, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation services are scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at Funeraria Del Angel - Memorial Holly located at 3442 Holly Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415 with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. that same evening.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 23rd, 2018 at St. Pius X Catholic Church located at 5620 Gollihar Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412.
Interment will follow at Seaside Memorial Park, 4357 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the St. Pius X Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.funerariadelangelmholly.com
