Maria Del Refugio Robledo "Cuca" Montecel

1953 - 2025

MARIA DEL REFUGIO "CUCA" ROBLEDO MONTECEL
01/14/1953 - 08/05/2025
Dr. María del Refugio "Cuca" Robledo Montecel died peacefully at her home in San Antonio on August 5, 2025. She was 72. Cuca was a beloved partner, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, cousin, aunt, godmother, colleague, teacher and mentor. She was also a widely admired advocate for educational justice and the President Emerita of the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA). Cuca dedicated her life to the unwavering belief that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves full and equitable access to educational opportunity. Her leadership at IDRA shaped a new paradigm, pushing schools to honor the value, integrity and promise of every student.
Born in Laredo, Texas to Ismael Robledo Martínez and Paula Benavides Robledo, Cuca was the first in her family to pursue higher education, earning a bachelor's degree from Our Lady of the Lake University and a master's degree from Antioch College. She completed her doctorate at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Cuca was honored early in her career as a Women and Minorities Research Fellow by the National Institute of Education.
Cuca joined IDRA in 1976 as a researcher, eventually serving as its President & CEO until her retirement in 2019. She leaves behind an impressive legacy of research and action, most notably as principal investigator of the Texas School Dropout Survey Project. Her work redefined dropout prevention policies not only in Texas but nationwide. Also under her stewardship, the IDRA Valued Youth Partnership program flourished, transforming the lives of more than 700,000 students, families, and educators, earning national validation and recognition as a model for academic excellence.
Her vision for educational equity extended well beyond Texas. Cuca led national studies on effective education for English learners, developed seminal rubrics for schools, and directed landmark cost studies in bilingual education. Her advocacy informed federal policy, and her testimony before Congress advanced the cause of students who had too often been marginalized. As managing partner of ENLACE, she helped strengthen Latino college pathways and inspired countless young leaders.
Cuca's expertise and compassion also made her a trusted advisor to national and state organizations, a respected board member, and a mentor to emerging leaders. She authored and co-authored pivotal publications, including Continuities and Courage to Connect, and her scholarship continues to shape the field. Her many honors include being named one of the top 100 Hispanic influentials and induction into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame.
Beyond her professional achievements, Cuca embraced Zen meditation, which she practiced for 26 years alongside her Catholic faith. She planted roots in Zen communities in New Jersey, Texas, Mexico City and beyond. She was installed as Sensei (Teacher) in 2015 and as Roshi (Venerable Teacher) in 2020 by her own beloved teacher, Fr. Robert Kennedy, S.J. Upon her installation, Cuca received the name Kosen, which means "water that comes forth from the ground." She formed a community of practitioners in San Antonio called Living Water Zen.
Above all, Cuca valued being a mother. She is survived by her sons, Ismael Gavino Montecel and Xavier Mario Montecel, for whom she was a constant source of support and unconditional love. Ismael studied astrophysics and went on to become a data scientist. Xavier became a theologian and ethicist, and he is now an assistant professor at St. Mary's University. Cuca is remembered with deep affection by her partner of nearly 46 years, Lucas Laitto Montecel. She leaves behind one grandchild, Aurora Montecel Potkalesky, as well as 10 living nieces and nephews, their children, and many beloved friends. Cuca enriched each of their lives with her wisdom and warmth.
All are welcome to attend services in celebration of Cuca's life. On Saturday, August 9, there will be a visitation beginning at 8:30 AM and funeral mass held at 10:00 AM. Both services will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in San Antonio (4201 De Zavala Rd). A reception hosted by IDRA will follow mass at 11:15 AM in the Parish Hall. An additional visitation will take place on Sunday, August 10 from 4:00-9:00 PM at Fred Dickey Funeral Home in Laredo, Texas (1320 Trey Dr). A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Cuca to METAvivor: Metastatic Breast Cancer Research, Support and Awareness.
Lovingly written by Héctor Bojorquez.