MARIA SAENZ

MARIA IMELDA (BARRERA) SAENZ Maria Imelda (Barrera) Saenz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away in her home in San Antonio, Texas, on March 4, 2024. Maria Imelda was born to Enrique Barrera and Evangelina Duverney on November 25, 1939, in Falfurrias, Texas. Maria's early years were marked by her education at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Falfurrias, Texas, where she formed enduring friendships and fond memories. She graduated from Falfurrias High School in 1958, where she was a proud member of the band, an accomplished tennis player, and an active participant in the 4-H club. Maria Imelda pursued her studies at Texas Women's University in Denton, Texas. While at TWU, she was a Red Bud Princess, was in the Tau Beta Sigma sorority and played drums in the Lass-O Band. In 1962, she proudly received her degree in Education, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to nurturing young minds as a second-grade teacher and fostering community bonds. Maria Imelda married Oscar Saenz in 1962 and they were married for 57 years. Maria Imelda was a U.S. Marine Corp officers' wife and proudly stood by her husband through out his military career having lived in North Carolina where her first two children were born and in Premont, Texas while her husband, Oscar was deployed to Vietnam during the Vietnam conflict. Maria Imelda was a true citizen of the world, having lived in Cali, Colombia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Corsicana, Texas, and Pecos, Texas, supporting her husband throughout his career with Quaker Oats and other companies. She would make a home in 14 different houses throughout her life. Maria Imelda and Oscar loved to travel and had great adventures in Europe, South America, and Mexico. Maria loved exploring diverse cultures, embracing new experiences, and cultivating friendships with Oscar and their children wherever she went. Her travels enriched her understanding of the world and gave her children experiences of a lifetime. Maria Imelda loved having all her family over to their beach condominium in Padre Island. She delighted in gathering her family for unforgettable days of swimming, beach combing, feeding the seagulls, and having fantastic shrimp boils and BBQs. Maria Imelda found solace and joy in her garden. Her green thumb and nurturing touch transformed her backyard into a vibrant oasis of beauty and tranquility, a true reflection of her nurturing spirit. She was also an amateur interior designer, creating beauty in her home and unique tablescapes for all holidays, which were very special to her since it meant being around her family. Above all, Maria Imelda was a woman of unwavering faith, finding strength and solace in her Catholic faith. She lived her life guided by love, forgiveness, and compassion, touching the hearts of all who knew her with her grace, beauty, and humor. Maria Imelda is preceded in death by her loving husband, Oscar Saenz, her parents, Enrique Barrera and Evangelina D. Barrera, and her sister, Margaret Garcia. She leaves behind her adoring children, Mary Elizabeth LeBouef, John David Saenz (Marjorie), and Sonia Saenz de Conde (Jorge). Maria Imelda had three grandchildren, Courtney Noble (Spencer), John Andrew Saenz, and Joshua Saenz. She also had one great-grandchild - Blakey Noble. Maria also leaves behind her brother, Enrique (Kike) Barrera, Jr., and numerous nieces and nephews. Maria Imelda leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and service. Though she may have departed from this world, her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those fortunate to have known her. May she rest in eternal peace. Funeral arrangements entrusted with ROSAS FUNERAL HOME, INC.