Maria Teresa Serna

Born on February 2, 1939, in El Paso, Teresa was the daughter of Margarita Membrila, née Muñoz, and Celso Membrila. A proud lifelong resident of the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez border region, Teresa was unmistakable to those who knew and loved her—a woman of extraordinary energy, presence, grace, style, and strong opinions. She lived life on her own terms, with independence, determination, and an unmistakable confidence in who she was.

Teresa was an accomplished and independent woman long before it was commonplace. She received her education at El Paso High School and Texas Western College of the University of Texas, now The University of Texas at El Paso, where she excelled academically. She went on to build a successful career in accounting, working at Feeders, Texas Gas, and Tri-State Produce. She was a hardworking woman who took pride in providing for herself and her family, and she carried that same strength and determination into every part of her life.

But Teresa’s greatest accomplishment was motherhood.

She was the heart and true matriarch of her family—a mother who loved fiercely, gave generously, and expected her children to know their own worth. She raised her family with strength, independence, humor, and unconditional love. Her children and grandchildren knew that Teresa would always have their backs, always tell them the truth, and always make sure there was a place for them at her table.

And there was always a table.

Teresa had a gift for bringing people together and creating memories that would last a lifetime. She organized countless family gatherings and celebrations, and she loved to cook—always preparing enough food for an army, because in Teresa’s home there was always room for one more. Her kitchen and dining table became gathering places where family, laughter, stories, and love were shared freely.

She also knew how to have fun. Teresa loved Bunko, poker, Nertz, and playing cards with her family. She happily taught them the finer points of gambling, whether betting on horses, trying their luck at the slot machines, or sitting down for a good game of poker. She brought the same enthusiasm and competitive spirit to a card table that she brought to life itself.

Those who knew Teresa will remember her quick wit, her sharp intuition, and her ability to see through just about anything. She was nobody’s fool—unless, of course, she was in on the joke. She said what she meant and meant what she said, whether she was speaking in jest or in earnest. Her strong opinions, spirited personality, and unmistakable presence were part of what made her so deeply loved.

After 87 amazing and fulfilling years, Teresa leaves behind a legacy far greater than any list of accomplishments. Her legacy lives in the children she raised, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren she nurtured, the traditions she created, and the countless memories she gave her family. She taught them not only how to love one another, but how to be strong, independent, resilient, and unapologetically themselves.

She is survived by her children, Margarita Franco and Luis Serna Jr.; grandchildren, Erica (Jessica) Fernandez, Willie (Jazmine) Fernandez III, Christy Serna, and Ashley (Colten) Daniels; and great-grandchildren, Delilah, Aubrey, Aaron, Lucero, Hope, Luna, Dakota, Seth, Isis, Sage, Ally, Carson, and Ryleigh.

Teresa was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Irma Melissa Fernandez, in January of this year—a loss she carried with her with profound love for the remainder of her life. She is now reunited with her beloved daughter, a reunion that brings comfort to those who loved them both. She was also predeceased by her parents, Margarita and Celso Membrila; her siblings, Manuel Membrila, Celso Membrila, and Calixto Membrila; and her granddaughter, Andrea Serna.

Teresa will be missed beyond words. Her absence will be felt around family tables, during card games, in the kitchen, and in all the places where her laughter and unmistakable voice once filled the room. But the woman she was—and the mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother she devoted herself to being—will never be forgotten.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1060 North Carolina Dr., El Paso, Texas 79915, on September 23, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A Rosary will follow at Hillcrest Funeral Home on September 23, 2026, at 6:00 pm.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St Pius X Catholic Church, 1050 N Clark Dr, El Paso, Texas 79905, on September 24, 2026, at 2:00 pm.