Maria Ortega

We gather here today to celebrate the life and legacy of a remarkable soul, Maria Evangelina Ortega, a cherished daughter of Mission, Texas, who on February 15th, 2025, in the city of Austin, completed her journey on this earth. Born on December 17th, 1964, Maria embraced life with a heart full of love and hands always ready to serve. Her departure from this world was due to cancer, yet her spirit remains undiminished, a beacon of light to all who knew her.
Maria was the embodiment of love and devotion. A devoted wife to her husband, Ernest Ortega, whom she wed on a joyous December day in 1993, in the city of McAllen, Texas. Together they nurtured a family of faith and love, raising three wonderful children: Alejandro Josue, Victoria, and Andrea Veronica Ortega. These children were her pride and joy, each a testament to her unwavering commitment to family. Maria was a treasured daughter to her mother, Consuelo Rodriguez Solorzano, and a beloved sister to Frank and Jorge Solorzano. She was surrounded by the laughter and affection of many nieces, nephews, and dear friends, as well as her adored "fur babies," Luna and Max. Maria now joins her father, Francisco Solorzano, and brother, Juan Solorzano, in the eternal embrace of the Lord.
Educated with pride as a "Mission Eagle," Maria graduated from Mission High School in the class of 1983. She furthered her education at Saint Edwards University, where she earned a BA in bilingual education and ESL in 1988. Maria was a beacon of knowledge, an advocate for learning, and a magnificent mentor. As a teacher in the Austin ISD and Hays CISD, she dedicated over 30 years to educating young minds from pre-K to 4th grade. Maria's influence extended beyond the classroom, touching lives and shaping futures. Children and parents alike would greet her with joy, love on her, and invite her to their graduation ceremonies, a testament to the phenomenal legacy she leaves behind.
Her interests were a reflection of her character: a love for the Lord, unwavering care for her family and mother, and a dedication to education that knew no bounds. Maria was a fantastic wife and mother, always placing her three loves-God, education, and family-at the forefront of her life. She had a passion for learning new ways and strategies to help others grow, and this passion shone brightly in every aspect of her life.
Intelligent, funny, and selfless-these are the words that best describe Maria Evangelina Ortega. Her intelligence was as vast as the Texas sky, her humor as warm as a Southern summer evening, and her selflessness as deep as the roots of an old oak tree. Maria's life was a testament to the power of giving, and her memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
As we say farewell to Maria Evangelina Ortega, let us carry her spirit in our hearts. Let us remember her laughter, her wisdom, and her unconditional love. Though she has ascended to the Lord's heavenly abode, her legacy endures in the lives she has touched and the community she has built. We shall not grieve her passing, but rather celebrate the time we were graced with her presence. Maria Evangelina Ortega, a beacon of love and hope, will forever be remembered, cherished, and dearly missed. Amen.