In Loving Memory of Isidra “Sara” Barcenes Cortez
February 6, 1940 – September 30, 2025
Isidra “Sara” Barcenes Cortez, age 85, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Born on February 6, 1940, in San Antonio, Texas, to Luis Barcenes Sr. and Eliboria Flores, Sara lived a life rooted in love, devotion, and service to others. In 1973, she moved to Houston with her beloved husband, Genaro Taylor Cortez Jr., where they built a warm and welcoming home together.
Sara was a full-time housewife whose greatest joy came from caring for her husband, five sons, and grandchildren. She had a deep love for music and cooking and cherished the company of her eight siblings. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her family—starting in 1981, she operated a private school van service, joyfully transporting children and watching them grow until her retirement in 1998.
She is survived by her son Genaro B. Cortez IV and his wife Laura Cortez; grandchildren Robert Cortez Jr. and wife Monique Cortez, Joseph Rene Astran and wife Putri Astran, Micaela Cortez, Genaro M. Cortez V, and Elena Cortez; as well as eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Genaro Taylor Cortez Jr.; sons Raymundo B. Astran, Ruben B. Astran, Rene B. Astran, and Robert B. Cortez Sr.; and granddaughter Kristy Gale Astran.
Sara’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the kindness she shared with all who knew her.
Funeral Services
A Rosary will be held at South Houston Funeral Home located at 1506 Houston Blvd. (Hwy 3), South Houston, Texas 77587 on Tuesday 10/21/2025 from 4pm-8pm. Following on Wednesday 10/22/2025 the family will meet at St. Christopher Catholic Church located at 8150 Park Place Blvd Houston TX 77017 at 11am followed by burial at Houston National Cemetery 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.
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