Maria Elena Martinez

Mcallen-Maria Elena Martinez, 87, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, surrounded by her family. Ms. Martinez is preceded in death by her parents, Leonel Lorenzo Barrera Sr., and Guadalupe Davis Barrera; one daughter, Anna Leticia Martinez; five siblings, Jose Ocampo Barrera, Maria Socorro Villarreal, Flora Ella Sotelo, Leonel Barrera Jr., and Maria De Los Angeles Whitman.

Ms. Martinez is survived by Rodolfo (Fito) Martinez; five children, Cynthia Elena Barreiro, Rebecca Esmeralda (Luis) Valdez, Rodolfo (Veronica) Martinez Jr., Rolando (Nora Lee) Martinez, and Ella Melissa (Sergio) Castillo; nine grand children, Nicole (Michael) Pino, Amanda Barreiro, Jesus Rodolfo (Kaithyn) Martinez, John Paul Martinez, Rosa Elena Castillo, Sergio Aaron Castillo, Jesus Rodolfo Castillo, Britanny Lee (Jesse) James, and Brisela Lee (Michael) Hernandez, two great grand children, Dominic Jesus Martinez, and Jesse Liam Jr.; numerous family and friends.

She was a dedicated homemaker, renowned for ensuring her six children were always impeccably dressed and groomed. Her industrious nature led her to return to school, where she earned a certification in Office Management. Subsequently, she worked for an attorney until her retirement. She cherished playing Loteria with her children, friends, and grandchildren, and held a deep affection for all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her culinary skills were exceptional; she was celebrated for her puffy tacos and delectable enchilada casserole. Her pies became a Thanksgiving staple, so much so that her family never knew the taste of store-bought pies. Her homemade German Chocolate Cake was highly sought after for birthday celebrations, and her Pan de Polvo was a holiday favorite, enjoyed with coffee, her preferred beverage.

She was an avid fan of the Texas Rangers, watching every game, and when there was no game, she delighted in novelas or movies. Her sense of humor was infectious, always ready with a good joke, making her the life of the party and bringing smiles to everyone with her vibrant personality. She was the true matriarch of the family, steadfastly holding them together through the years. She was a guiding-light, a source of love and a wellspring of wisdom. Her presence will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She will forever remain in our hearts and her spirit will live on in all of us.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Legacy Chapels 4610 South Jackson Road in Edinburg. Mass will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Mcallen. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.

Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.