Maria Ildefonsa Garza Castillo, 85, passed away peacefully on September 23,2026. She was born on October 21, 1940, in Lyford, Texas to Macedonio and Dorotea Ozuna Garza. Shortly after her birth, her parents moved the family to Kingsville, Texas, where she spent her childhood and early adult years. In 1962, she relocated to Houston, Texas, the city that would become her cherished and permanent home for the rest of her life.
She is preceded by her husband, Gabriel Rivera Castillo, and son, Benito Gutierrez.
She is survived by her children, Joe Edward Moreno, Cindy(sp); Dorothy Cynthia Gonzalez; Eva Jeannette Lieto, Jim(sp). Grandchildren (9) - Martin Gonzalez Jr., Priscilla(sp), Marcus Gonzalez, Gabriella Lieto, Robert Gutierrez, Jenny(sp), Rio Gutierrez, Yamileth(sp), Jena Moreno, Edward Moreno, Tatiana(sp), Matthew Hinojosa, Alyssa(sp), Erica Hamrick, Kevin(sp) Great Grandchildren (13) - Sophia Gonzalez, Valerie Gonzalez, Lisa Marie Gutierrez, Benito Gutierrez, Andrew Gutierrez, Thomas Gutierrez, Rio Gutierrez, Jr., Diego Gutierrez, Selena Moreno, Joey Moreno, Andre Hinojosa, Collin Hamrick, Isabella Hamrick.
Marie was a devoted Catholic and found great comfort and joy in attending Sunday Mass. Her faith was a steady and guiding presence throughout her life.
We will always remember how Mom could turn an ordinary moment into something special. When a favorite song came on, she would begin to move with joy and reach for the hand of anyone close to her inviting them to dance with her. In those moments, we saw her warmth, playfulness, and deep love for being surrounded by family.
Those moments—full of laughter, music, and her bright spirit—remain cherished memories for all of us.
Visitation will be held at Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060, US, on October 17, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The Funeral will take place at Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060, US, on October 17, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Committal will follow at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060, US, on October 17, 2026, at 3:00.
