Marcelina R. Donez

Marcelina R. Donez, 88, entered into eternal rest on March 9, 2026, in Harlingen, Texas.

She was born on June 2, 1937, in Harlingen, Texas, to Arcadio Ramirez and Maria Lozano. Marcelina was a vibrant and hardworking woman who loved life and cherished time spent with family and friends. She enjoyed traveling, especially to Florida and Rio Bravo, where she delighted in visiting loved ones.

Marcelina had a joyful spirit and was often described as the life of the party. She loved dancing, attending gatherings, hosting celebrations, and playing bingo. She also enjoyed going to garage and yard sales and spending time outdoors, always keeping herself busy.

An entrepreneur at heart, Marcelina was known in her neighborhood for making delicious homemade flour tortillas and tacos, which she lovingly prepared and sold to friends and neighbors. Her kindness, warmth, and strong work ethic left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Marcelina is survived by her daughters, Maggie Ayala (Jesse) and Odelia Esparza (Leonel De Leon), both of Harlingen. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Jose Donez (Nicole), Christine Donez, Mike Donez (Trista), Joseph Ayala, Jacob Ayala (Maritza), Alayda Rodriguez (Adrian), Edward Esparza (Keisha), Gilberto Esparza (Karla), Monica Flores, Myrna Frederick (Adrian), Rudy Donez, Jr., and Alex Donez (Candice); as well as 25 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sister, Santos Balli of San Juan, Texas.

Marcelina was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Antonio Donez; four children, Antonio Donez, Jr., Rodolfo Donez, Gilbert Donez, and Lucia D. Cantu; as well as four brothers and three sisters. Her parents Arcadio Ramirez and Maria Lozano also precede her in death.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace in Harlingen. The funeral procession will depart the funeral home on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 9:30 AM for a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, with Father Jesus G. Garza officiating. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in La Feria, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Mike Donez, Gilberto Esparza, Benjamin Muniz, Jayden Donez, Alexavier Esparza, and Joshua Ayala. Honorary pallbearers will be Edward Esparza and Jose Donez.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen, Texas.