Matilde Dora Escochea, better known as Tillie, entered into the loving arms of Our Lord on October 3, 2026 at the age of 90. She was born on March 14, 1936 to parents, Claudia Castillo and Jesus Maria Garcia in San Diego, Texas. Tillie was a woman who seemed to be born knowing how to take care of others. As the oldest in her family, she naturally stepped into the role of caregiver, and throughout her life, caring for the people she loved remained one of the greatest expressions of her love. She was the person who cared, cooked, celebrated, worked hard, and made sure the people she loved were taken care of. Her family knew her strength, but they also knew the tenderness behind it. Her family was her world, and she loved them above all else.
Matilde was a hardworking, headstrong, and determined woman. When she set her mind to something, she was not easily stopped. That same strength carried her through a remarkable 40-year career at Snapka's, where she worked as a cook. For four decades, she gave her time and talents to her work, building a life defined by dedication and perseverance.
But her greatest work was the home and family she created. She was a wonderful cook, and preparing food for her family was one of the ways she showed them how much she cared. She especially loved making a homemade cake for each of her children's birthdays. Year after year, she made sure their birthdays were marked with something special. As the creative person that she was, she sewed and crocheted for her family, putting her own time and love into creating a tradition her children will carry with them forever.
Matilde also knew how to enjoy life. She loved dancing, especially to Tejano music. There was a special joy in hearing the music and getting out on the dance floor. In fact, it was while attending a dance that she met the man who would become her husband, Esteban "Steve" Escochea Jr.—a fitting beginning to a love story for a woman who would always have such a deep love for music and dancing.
She also had a true green thumb. Matilde loved to garden and took great pride in her garden. She had a natural ability to nurture things and help them grow, much like the way she nurtured the people around her. Her garden was a reflection of her patience, determination, and love of life.
Matilde will be reunited in heaven with her parents, Claudia Castillo and Jesus Maria Garcia; husband, Esteban "Steve" Escochea, Jr. ; grandson, Benjamin Isaac; 2 brothers and 1 sister.
Her love will continue through her children, Gloria Jean Sanchez, Norma Ann Escochea, Sylvia (Tom) Jenkins, Hope (Serapio) Pena, Margaret (Rudy) Isaac, Steve Escochea III, and Anthony Escochea; sisters, Juanita, Irene, Janie, and brother Herman; as well as 24 grandchildren. 30 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
The Escochea family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Cimarron Nursing Home for all the love and care they provided to Matilde for the last three years.
