Maria Andrea Ibarra

Maria Andrea Ibarra On such an extraordinary day, our Lord embraced Maria Andrea Ibarra into Heaven on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013. Mary Ibarra was born in Laredo, TX on February 4, 1922 to Dionicia Ybarra Morlett. Even though Mary, as she was affectionately known, was of humble beginnings she demonstrated at an early age strong character and the determination to pursue a life full of accomplishments. She attended C.M. Macdonell Elementary and L. J. Christen Schools, where she enjoyed playing basketball. Unfortunately, she was unable to continue her education in order to assist her mother with family expenses. This helped mold her into the person she became and to instill in her daughters resilience and strong sense of family values. On January 1, 1943, she married the love of her life, Roman Ibarra. Shortly afterwards he joined the Army and upon his return they made their home in Laredo and were blessed with 6 daughters, 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. After starting their family, together they ventured into real estate. Being very resourceful Mary was self-educated and excelled in finances and managing their properties. Mary enjoyed a life as a homemaker, hostess, and was an excellent cook who always offered to share a meal with anyone who entered her home. Mary and Roman enjoyed music and dancing at social events. She was also quite active in her children’s school PTA, very involved with church activities, various clubs including the VFW Auxiliary where she served as an officer. Whenever the opportunity arose, Mary offered a helping hand to those less fortunate than her. She lived a long and fruitful life, filled with joy, always surrounded by her family. Mary’s charisma and generous demeanor brought friends and family together especially for holiday gatherings at her home. Mom’s legacy of unity and values will live on in her family for generations to come. Mrs. Ibarra is preceded in death by her father, Mr. Ovalle, mother, Dionicia Y. Morlett, step father, Alberto Morlett, loving husband, Roman Ibarra; grandson, Robert Javier Adame. She is survived by her daughters, Marina (Homero) Adame, Toni (Raul) Hernandez Jr., Linda (Enrique) Arreguin, Elsa (Jerry) Valdez, Graciela (Eduardo) Gonzalez, Brenda Cavazos; grandchildren, Richard Adame, Yvonne (Delfino) Treviño, Priscilla (Christopher) Hoercher, Valerie (Frank) Meurer, Juan Carlos Velasquez Jr., Monica (Florentino) Hernandez, Jerry (Melissa) Valdez, Edwardo Valdez, Athena (Ricky Jr.) Cortez, Robert Alexander Mastin, Vanessa L. Gonzalez, Marilyn G. Gonzalez, Mary Lorraine Cavazos; 22 great grandchildren; sisters, Jesusita (Ramiro+) Luna, Bessie (William +) Reeves; sister in law, Rosa I. (Pablo G. +) Vela; brother in law, Daniel (Gloria) Ibarra; cousins, Elvira (Sammy) Gonzalez, Alfredo (Virgina +) Barrera, Eduardo (Maria+) Rangel. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. A rosary was recited on Friday, April 5, 2013 at 8:15 p.m. in St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. A visitation was held from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 10:20 a.m. from Hillside Funeral Home to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. A mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. The funeral home chapel will open at 8 a.m. Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Richard Adame, Juan Carlos Velasquez Jr., Jerry Valdez Jr., Jerry Valdez III, Edwardo Valdez and Robert Alexander Mastin. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Ricardo D. Cortez Jr., Florentino Hernandez, Frank Meurer, Delfino Treviño and Christopher Hoercher. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Road.