Maria Elena Sauceda Sanchez

Mom, we will miss you! Your tenacious spirit will be remembered and live on in your children, as can be observed in their lives. Her independent spirit was ever-present and imbued all those around her with a sense of confidence that every challenge could be overcome. Maria Elena Sanchez was born on 2 February 1927 to Carlos Sauceda and Elena Morales. Maria Elena Sauceda Sanchez, beloved mother to six children, 98 years old of Rio Grande City, Texas, passed away on October 4, 2025. She was denied her education as a child and only completed fourth grade; at this time, she was pulled out of school to help the family by working for different families in the community. She never gave up her dream of being a high school graduate, and on May 23, 1978, the TX Education Agency issued the Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency. In the Fall of 1978, she was accepted to Pan American University in Edinburg, TX, where she attended three semesters. Additionally, in 1965, she took correspondence courses to become a nurse aide and worked at the Roma Hospital for a couple of years, while raising a family. Maria Elena’s lifelong commitment to education set the foundation for her children’s success. Throughout her life she fought and stood by her principles. She was a strong, resilient parent who overcame many hardships to secure a better future for her children. Among her many qualities was her love for chickens, ducks, geese, and other small animals. She had the proverbial green thumb; her garden was her canvas; You could always find a star inside a flower, a keepsake hanging from a tree, an angel with a trumpet, a roaring lion, a Tecolote, yellow butterflies, an owl, a ghost, or even a reindeer; you just had to look at her canvas to find surprises. Maria Elena was preceded in death by her parents Carlos and Elena Sauceda, her older brother Leonel and her two sisters Raquel (Arredondo) and Estella (Morin). Maria Elena is survived by her children Roberto (Vicky), Ricardo (Maria Elena), Leonel (Patty), Magdalena (Ray), David Jesus (Gracie) and Diana (Ronald). She also has one surviving brother, Carlos Sauceda Jr of Pharr Tx. She was blessed with 21 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. The viewing will be held at Hernandez Funeral Home on Friday, October 10, 2025, with a Rosary at 6 P.M. Mass will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 12 Noon followed by internment at St John’s Cemetery.

Maria Elena Sauceda Sanchez

February 2, 1927 - October 4, 2025