Maria Lafuente Lugo

Maria Lafuente Lugo—mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend—passed away peacefully at home after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Her life was defined by a generous spirit, deep devotion to her family and friends, and remarkable resilience and determination.

Maria, known to family and friends as Mary, was born on January 19, 1938, in Crystal City, Texas, to Pedro Lafuente, Sr. and Leonora Tijerina Lafuente. She was the second child and the oldest sister among ten siblings. Mary spent much of her childhood near Smyer, Texas, where she worked alongside her family as tenant farmers.

As a teenager, Mary dreamed of becoming a nurse. Through determination and persistence, she persuaded Methodist Nursing School to admit her with only an eighth-grade education. She began her career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in 1957. Later, while raising four school-aged children, she continued her education—earning her Registered Nurse diploma and ultimately completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Texas State University in 1992, all without ever obtaining a formal high school diploma.

Mary’s nursing career reflected her natural gift for caregiving. She worked in critical care units at Methodist Hospital, served as a home health nurse and school nurse, and later became the proprietor of Mary Lugo’s Adult Foster Care. In her home, she provided compassionate, around-the-clock residential care for adults who were unable to live independently.

Mary married Roberto Lugo in 1956, and together they raised four children while building a life grounded in family, hard work, and service to their community. Mary encouraged each of her children to pursue higher education and to follow their own unique professional and personal paths.

In 1974, Mary took a hiatus from nursing to pursue a new venture. For thirteen years, she and Roberto owned and operated Lugo’s Restaurant—originally Lugo’s La Malinche Restaurant and Tortilla Factory. The restaurant became a gathering place for neighbors, friends, and family. In this role, Mary continued her lifelong practice of nurturing others, offering encouragement and care to employees, vendors, and customers alike.

Mary will be remembered most for her strength, warmth, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She was a tireless caregiver, a determined woman who never stopped learning, and someone who made people feel welcomed and cared for wherever she went. Her home, her table, and her heart were always open.

She is survived by her children Rolando Lugo, Robert “Bobby” Lugo, Jr. (Bess), Cynthia “Cindy” Kosanda (George) and Carolyn Lugo-Allred (Stephen), 11 beloved grandchildren, 13 cherished great-grandchildren, 7 siblings, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her generosity and care. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Roberto Lugo, second husband, Jose Terrazas, her parents, Pedro Sr. and Leonora Lafuente, brothers Alfredo, Pedro Jr., and Abelardo.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Peter Gonzalez and Susanna Mills, her devoted and generous caregivers from VitalCaring Hospice who supported Mary and her family with selfless compassion and kindness. The family also wishes to thank the management and staff of Raider Ranch’s adult day care