Maria Holmes' Obituary
Maria Holmes passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the age of 105 from natural causes in Houston where she spent her later years with Carlos Ortiz, her son.
She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, May 12, 1920. Her parents were Micaela Perez and Matias Ryan.
She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Mauro Perez; sons, Reymundo Ortiz Jr., Carlos Ryan Ortiz & Robert Holmes; grandsons, Carlos Closner Ortiz, Jon Paul Ortiz; granddaughter Celina Ortiz; father of her children, Reymundo Ortiz Sr; husband, Jasper Holmes; brothers, Nicholas Perez, Jesus Ryan; daughter in law, Yolanda (Gilberto) Ortiz; great-grandson, Adrian Ariel Ortiz.
She is survived by her son, Gilberto Ortiz; sister, Olga Longoria; daughters in law, Celestina (Rey) Ortiz, Jean (Carlos) Ortiz and Bertha Closner Ortiz; nine grandchildren, Miguel (Yessica) Closner Ortiz, Aaron Ortiz, Celeste (Richard) Kampe, Leticia Silva, Phillip Ortiz, Eric (Teresa) Ortiz, Dean Hernandez, Jude Ortiz and Yoli Ortiz; 18 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
She worked as a field worker, fruit packing sheds and seamstress at Dickie Mfg. Co. of McAllen. Her hard-working nature was legendary among all that knew her. She had a strong moral character, was a guiding light and a fountain of sound advice, resilient, fiercely independent and fearless. She believed in education and instilled this principle in her sons, seeing them become first-generation college graduates. She found pleasure in gardening, reading, sewing and cooking. She was protective of all animals and fed stray cats in Edinburg. In Houston, she loved Corky, training him from 6 months old. She enjoyed traveling and visited El Salvador, Panama and Costa Rica and took a few cruises. As matriarch of the family, she was a role model to all with a strong faith in God. We will miss the spirit of love she shared with all of us.
Visitation will be at Aurora Funeral Home Sam Houston, 706 W. Sam Houston Blvd. in Pharr on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a rosary to be recited at 6:00 pm. Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Sacred Heart Church of Edinburg. Burial will follow at 1:00 pm at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 3611 N. Taylor Rd. in Mission. Services are entrusted to the care of Aurora Funeral Home Sam Houston of Pharr.
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