Maria Evangelina Taylor

With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Maria (Manina) Evangelina Molina Taylor, 83, of McAllen, Texas, who went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Born on April 28, 1943, Manina was a source of kindness and light to all who knew her.

She is survived by her sister, Norma Kane; her son Dominique (Nick) Taylor and his wife Leticia (Letty) Reza Taylor; her daughter, Marisa Taylor; her niece and nephews, Stephen Kane (children Nicholas and Emily), Erika Kane, David Kane and Carlos Kane as well as many of her beloved cousins and life-long friends.

She is now reunited in Heaven with her parents, Enrique and Pola Molina.

Manina grew up in McAllen, Texas. She attended McAllen High School and graduated from Lincoln High School in San Jose, Costa Rica. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio and her Master of Education in Reading from Pan American University.

Manina lived her life with compassion and believed in helping others. This led her to a career in education. She taught elementary education for M.I.S.D for 28 years. She also taught as an adjunct Reading Instructor for South Texas College. She deeply cared for her students, and she treated her students, of any age, with dignity, respect and great empathy. She wanted students to have a strong educational foundation and a love of learning. She was the type of teacher children wanted to hug. She worked hard to design lessons that provided students with a quality education sprinkled with fun, creativity, and joy.

Beyond her work, Manina had a sparkle for life. She loved action movies, but they had to have a little romance in them. She was a terrific dancer and enjoyed songs with good rhythm. One of her favorite movie scenes was with Hugh Grant when he danced to “Jump (For My Love)” in Love Actually. Manina’s enthusiasm made others fall in love with the scenes and music she liked too. Her light heart and whimsical spirit inspired others and brought much happiness to those around her.

While she was someone who loved to laugh, she also had a serious side. She possessed a tremendous work ethic and held strong moral values. She was civic minded and voted in every local, state and national election. Above all, she had unwavering devotion to God. She loyally practiced her Catholic faith and found comfort and strength in her beliefs.

People, even those that barely knew her, took note of her kindness. It is not an exaggeration to say she radiated warmth, and people often described Manina as an “angel.” Generosity was a core part of her life. She taught her children to be truthful, fair, and not hold grudges. She believed in doing the right thing, even when it was difficult or painful. She fiercely loved her family and her friends. She loved her children beyond measure. She did whatever possible to make sure the people and the animals she encountered experienced happiness and comfort in their lives.

Manina loved butterflies because of their brightness. She saw them as symbols of joy and hope, which are the perfect representation of Manina. Although Manina is physically not here with us, her love and energy will continue to live in us. She made every day a little brighter, and the generosity she shared through her life has no end.

There will be a mass at Our Lady of Sorrows in McAllen on September 3 at 10:00 a.m. The burial of her ashes will take place at Highland Memorial Park cemetery in Weslaco on September 4th at 10:00 a.m.

Please contact Highland Memorial Park Cemetery in Weslaco, Texas for additional information.