Maria del Socorro Soto

Maria Soto passed away on May 28, surrounded by the love of her family and the many memories she created throughout her life. Her passing was difficult and heartbreaking, but her life was one filled with strength, love, sacrifice, and compassion for others.

Maria was a loving daughter, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and mother figure to many. She raised her children in downtown Brownsville, Texas, while working tirelessly to provide for her family. Throughout her life, she worked as an agricultural laborer, private chef, housekeeper, and home health provider for many families who were truly fortunate to know her. In every job she held, Maria gave 100 percent of herself. She cared deeply for others and approached everything she did with attention, dedication, and most importantly, love.

Maria had a nurturing spirit that made people feel safe, cared for, and welcomed. She believed in showing love through actions, and she spent her life doing exactly that. Many looked up to her not only as a caregiver but as a source of comfort, wisdom, and unconditional love.

Some of Maria’s simple joys in life included drinking coffee, gardening, and watching western movies. She found happiness in life’s quiet moments and in caring for the people around her. Her warmth, strength, and giving heart will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Petra Fonseca and Alfonso Lozano; her brother, Juan Lozano; her beloved daughter, Maria Shoemaker, and son-in-law, David Shoemaker; and her former son-in-law, Ricardo “Kíke” Rangel, and former daughter-in-law, Christina Lozano.

Maria is survived by her children, Rogelio Lozano, Jose Miguel Gabriel, Susanne Renteria, and Irene Gabriel; daughters-in-law Elida Lozano and Nora Gabriel; grandchildren Evelyn Lozano, Yvette Lozano, Ricardo Rangel, Travis Gabriel, Joshua Renteria, April Gabriel, Denise Rangel, Lydia Lozano, Paul Shoemaker and Corey Gabriel; granddaughter-in-law Melissa Rangel; Ashley Renteria, Lupe Gabriel, Natasha Gabriel; and grandson-in-law German Gonzalez.

Nephews and nieces Juan Lozano Jr., Kathy Lozano, Tancy Lozano, Diana Lozano, Elizabeth Lozano, and Linda Lozano.

Great-grandchildren Alina Gonzalez, Anahí Gonzalez, Edward Gabriel, Ethan Alexander Cajiao, Benjamin Cajiao, Zechariah Grayson Gabriel, Auden Marley Gabriel, Elijah Rangel, Deion Rangel, Allia Rangel, Dante Rangel, Romeo Rangel, Desiree Rangel, Benito Alaniz Jr., Isaiah Matthew Alaniz, Cristina Lozano, Brittany Recio, Daniece Yeverino, Isabell Balderrama, Benito Jr. Balderrama, Ecko Balderrama, Anaya Galvan, Kaylee Galvan, Ivan Galvan, Luke Galvan, Cj Lugo, Joshua Renteria Jr., and Alysha Renteria. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will continue to cherish her memory and honor the love and kindness she shared throughout her life.

Though her family mourns this tremendous loss, they also celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the legacy of love she leaves behind. Maria Soto will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.