Maria Buentello

In Loving Memory of Maria DeJesus Buentello (1981 – 2025)
Maria DeJesus Buentello, age 44, passed away peacefully after a courageous two-year battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will forever cherish her spirit.
Born and raised in Laredo, Texas, Mary was a proud graduate of Nixon High School, Class of 1999. She went on to attend Texas A&M International University and Southwest Texas University, pursuing her passion for animals and dreams of becoming a veterinarian. When her family faced hardship, Mary selflessly put her own ambitions aside to help support her parents, working two jobs as a server at Tony Roma's and as a sales associate at Hot Topic. Her hard work, charisma, and natural leadership soon led her to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming a District Manager for Hot Topic, where she inspired countless coworkers and built lifelong friendships.
Mary's life was defined by love, laughter, and generosity. She met the love of her life, Adolfo, with whom she shared a beautiful marriage and two beloved daughters who were the joy and light of her world. Her boundless energy and humor filled every room she entered, and her compassion extended to everyone-from family and friends to her three rescued dogs.
A woman of endless interests and joy, Mary loved music, gardening, traveling, Halloween, and all things spooky, as well as Harry Potter, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and her Nintendo games. She was known for her love of history, especially the royal family, her knack for disc golf and billiards, and her sweet tooth for candy and desserts. But most of all, she loved making others laugh and feel loved, often showering friends and family with thoughtful gifts "just because."
Even through her illness, Mary's courage never wavered. Her optimism, strength, and radiant humor carried her through the hardest days, with Adolfo by her side until her final moments.
Mary is survived by her husband Adolfo Buentello III, their two young daughters Luna & Dahlia Buentello, her three brothers Marcelino Cabrera III, Mark Anthony Cabrera, and Miguel Cabrera, her nieces and nephews, and countless family members and friends who adored her. She is preceded in death by her loving parents, whom she supported faithfully until their passing.
Mary was truly one of a kind-a beautiful soul whose love and laughter touched everyone she met. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A celebration of Mary's life will be held at Castle Ridge Mortuary North on Tuesday November 4th. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Animal Defense League of Texas Paul Jolly Center for pet adoptions () in her honor, reflecting her lifelong love for animals and giving spirit.