Maria G. Saldivar

“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord, may they now rest from their labors, for their good deeds go with them.” Rev. 14:13

Maria Gallegos Saldivar, 104, resident of Zapata and Laredo Texas, entered The Lord’s Kingdom on Thursday August 29, 2024, after a brief illness.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Jose Maria Gallegos and Herlinda V. Gallegos, husband Alberto Saldivar, her sisters, brothers, her in-laws and numerous family members.

Maria is survived by her four children: Maria Cordelia Saldivar, Sandra S. Hayward (Robert), Alberto (Rosie Herrera) Saldivar, Gerardo (Armandina Valdez) Saldivar, 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, sisters: Estela G. Perez, Alicia G. Laurel, Minerva G. Reeves, and sisters in law: Hidalia S. Nerpel, Olga Nella R. Gallegos.

As a young lady, Maria was a member of the Hijas de Maria from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, and was honored in crowning the Virgin Mary. She later made her Cursillo along with her husband, Alberto. Alberto and Maria met in 1936 while attending school, their love grew and not long after were married in 1942. The war was vastly approaching and Alberto was called to service leaving Maria until his honorable discharge April 12, 1946. While Alberto was overseas, he would write and send letters to Maria which she saved until her passing. They both struggled but both were very faithful to our Lord. They both had a mutual sense of values, life-long objectives and led a good Christian life with their children.

While Alberto managed the ranch, Maria was Alberto’s constant companion. Together they shared their love for the ranch life, sharing a part of his comings and goings. Maria had a joyful, optimistic outlook on life.

The family truly had a long list of beautiful and happy memories, and was always a role model to all her children and grandchildren. As one can see, Maria lived a long and fruitful life as a rancher’s-wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

The family will gather to celebrate her life on Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 5 to 9 pm at Hillside Funerals & Cremations, where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will be offered at 7 pm.

Services will take place on Monday, September 9, 2024, departing the funeral home at 8:30 am to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 9 am.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Zapata County Cemetery in Zapata, Texas.

Pallbearers will be: Albert J. Saldivar, Alexis Saldivar, Kristina Quiñones, Laura Sanchez, Clarissa Frazier, Jorgelina Carranco, Erica Theisen, and Liam McMahan.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hillside Funerals & Cremations; 310 W. Hillside Rd.; Laredo, TX 78041; 956.724.6060