Maria Elena "Nena" Muro

Maria Elena Muro joined her Heavenly father on Sunday, April 23, 2017. She was born on Tuesday, December 11, 1951 to Raul and Bea Gamboa. She was the oldest of three and the only daughter. As a teenager, Maria suffered the untimely death of her mother, placing her in the matriarch role of the family. Her youngest brother, Freddy characterized Maria as “mom.”

Maria was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Friends called her Nena. She loved to be outdoors and playing with the neighborhood kids. When teams were picked they didn’t care she was the only girl on the team. She was considered the smartest, most competitive, and independent of the bunch. This created a competitive atmosphere with Maria and brother, Raul, but it seemed to bring out the best in both of them.

Maria graduated from Jefferson High School in El Paso, Texas, Class of 1970 She wanted to work, which was unusual at that time, since she grew up during a time when women were expected to be housewives. She wanted to do something in business. She joined the VOE to prepare her for the workforce. She found a position as a secretary for the Texas State Commission for the Blind. She was able to adapt to ever changing times and became the problem solver people depended on. In her experience working alongside counselors, social workers, Maria discovered the empathy and compassion with working for the blind. It opened up her heart more to helping others. She worked her way up and found herself managing fellow women across the State. She retired after 30 years of service.

Maria was married to Hector Muro for 25 years and they had one daughter, Debbie, whom she was known to say, “My nurse, my baby, at home.” Maria didn’t have grandchildren, but she had grand-furbabies. She loved her dogs and since they were with her all day, they were spoiled with food and extra treats.

After Maria retired she found hobbies like gardening, reading, and enjoying time spent with her daughter, Debbie. Her favorite road trip, besides going to Oklahoma’s casinos, was the trip to Tyler, with Debbie, to buy roses for her garden. It wouldn’t be a surprise to have 2 dozen roses packed in the SUV. As soon as they arrived home, she was ready to plant them in her garden.

Maria’s favorite place to be was anywhere her daughter, Debbie, was going. She loved living in North Texas, every weekend was another place to visit, another place to explore, and another chance to be in awe of the beauty of her surroundings. She loved to go to smooth jazz concerts when they were in town. Dave Koz, Peter White. Maria also loved to see the Mariachi bands and Florlorico dancers. She was a member of St. Marks Catholic church in Plano, Texas.

Debbie would like for everyone to remember her mom as compassionate, loving , assertive, a born leader. Despite disease taking over her body, Maria never lost her positive attitude or her positive outlook on life. She didn’t carry her problems for the whole world to see, she let them see the compassion and love in her heart. She would make total strangers feel at ease and put a smile on their face with a simple, “Hello, how are you? You have a great day because it’s a beautiful day.” Every morning, with her prayers, Maria thanked the Lord for one more day and she was going to live it to the best of her ability.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Bea and Raul Gamboa; her brother, Raul Gamboa, and her basset hound, Molly.

Maria is survived by her daughter, Debbie Muro; her brother Alfredo Gamboa; and many friends that became family…her “Dallas-family” whom she loved with all of her heart.

The Muro family would like to thank Medical City of Plano, Plano EMS/Fire department for their help and compassion during their time of greatest need; North Park Heart and Vascular Center and its physicians for their support and love they showed for Debbie’s mom; Davita Dallas North, Dr. Jeffery Thompson, and Dr. Cano, for all of their support and care of Maria over the years.

Arrangements under the direction of Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, Dallas, TX.