Maria C. Barrera

Our sweet Granny, Maria C. Barrera went home to be with the Lord at the remarkable age of 92. Her life was a beautiful story of resilience, love, and generosity, and her memory will forever live in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Born and raised in the barrio, she grew up with her five siblings in a humble home where there was little in material wealth, but an abundance of laughter, faith, and strength. From an early age, she learned the value of hard work and perseverance, lessons she carried with her throughout her life. Despite the challenges she faced, she always made the best of what she had and never let circumstances steal her joy.

To her family, she was our safe place, our source of comfort and love. Granny had a way of making everyone feel cared for and secure. Her stern but gentle guidance kept us grounded, and her sharp memory meant she never forgot an important date, milestone, or story. Whether it was a birthday, an anniversary, or a small accomplishment, she always remembered and made each of us feel special.

She gave freely of herself, never hesitating to share even the smallest things she had with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether it was slipping us a treat, saving a keepsake, or offering her heartfelt advice, she found joy in giving. Granny was admired not only for her kindness, but also for her wisdom. The kind that only comes from a life fully lived.

Simple pleasures brought her happiness: her morning coffee, her beloved moon pies, and the familiar sound of KPSO playing in the background. These little routines were part of the fabric of her life and reminded us all that joy is often found in the smallest of moments.

Granny was loved by everyone who knew her. Neighbors, friends, and family alike could always count on her for an honest word, a listening ear, or a story from the past. She carried herself with warmth, humor, and a strength that made people naturally gravitate toward her.

She is preceded in death by her parents Jose & Hortencia Castillo, her husband, Gilberto "Beve" Barrera, her sisters, Juanita Chapa and Raquel Silva, and her brothers, Ramon, Rosendo, and Rodolfo "Quate" Castillo.

She is survived by her children, Virginia (Frank) Garcia, Imelda (Homer) Garcia, and Gilberto (Cindy) Barrera Jr.; her grandchildren, Erica (Anthony) Bazan, Angela (Austin) Pierce, Roque "Bubba" Ramirez Jr., Debralee (Omar) Rodríguez, Frankie (Freddy) Requenez, and Victoria Barrera; and her great-grandchildren, Cameron Morones, K'Lee Bazan, Aden & Caleb Rodriguez. All of whom will continue to honor her legacy by carrying forward the values she instilled in us: love, generosity, faith, and resilience.

Though our hearts are heavy, we are comforted in knowing that her life was long, full, and meaningful. We will miss her dearly, but her spirit will live on in every cup of coffee shared, every moon pie enjoyed, and every story passed down through the generations.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM at The Alaniz Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 with burial to follow at Falfurrias Burial Park. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate the beautiful life of our Granny.

Pallbearers: Anthony Bazan, Austin Pierce, Cameron Morones, Freddy Requenez, Salvador Chapa Jr., JR Castillo, and Honorary Pallbearer Roque "Bubba" Ramirez Jr.