Maria Socorro Ortega

May 12, 1935 - August 14, 2026

Maria Socorro Ortega, lovingly known as Socorro, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, at the age of 91.

Maria was born on May 12, 1935, in Weslaco, Texas, to Mariano V. Saenz and Petra Z. Saenz. She was raised in the Rio Grande Valley, where she attended Catholic school and developed the strong faith and values that guided her throughout her life.

At the age of 16, Maria married the love of her life, Ruben G. Ortega. Together they shared 27 years of marriage and built a home filled with love, faith, and devotion to family. Maria worked alongside her husband, helping with his business while raising their children.

Throughout her life, Maria enjoyed meeting people and never met a stranger. She worked at Wells, Miller's, and Beall's, where she treasured the friendships she made with her customers. Later, she became a door greeter at Kmart, a role that suited her warm smile and welcoming personality. She genuinely loved talking with people and made everyone feel like family.

One of Maria's greatest joys was spending Sunday afternoons dancing with family and friends. Those who knew her will always remember the happiness she found in music, laughter, and being surrounded by the people she loved.

In 1979, Maria retired to become a full-time homemaker, dedicating herself to caring for her family. Her greatest joy came from being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and the generations that followed. She was known for her strength, generosity, unwavering faith, and unconditional love.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Ruben G. Ortega; her parents, Mariano V. Saenz and Petra Z. Saenz; her brother, Ezequiel Saenz; her son, Ruben Ortega Jr. and Ricardo Ortega; her daughter, Melba Ann Gamez; her son-in-law, Ricardo Ortega; and her granddaughter, Jennifer Leigh Alonzo and grandson Jose Luis Alonzo Jr.

She is survived by her daughters, Livia Vasquez and Vilma Alonz, her sister in law Catalina Saenz, as well as 14 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Maria's legacy is one of unwavering love, resilience, kindness, and faith. She devoted her life to her family, welcomed everyone with a smile, and found joy in the simple pleasures of life-especially dancing on Sunday afternoons and visiting with the many people whose lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, her love, laughter, and gentle spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

*"Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day-unseen, unheard, but always

Psalm 23
Maria Socorro Ortega