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Kreidler Funeral Home, Inc. -

314 North 10th Street

McAllen, Texas

ELVA CORTEZ Obituary

ELVA LONGORIA CORTEZ McALLEN - Elva Longoria Cortez, 69, passed to be with her Lord and God on December 31, 2014 of a rare lung affliction. She had been battling auto immune, heart and lung disease for approximately two years. At the time of her passing, she was accompanied by her husband, Richard, her children, two sisters, and several nieces and nephews. Our loss brings great joy in Heaven because she has reunited with her deceased parents, in-laws, and many other relatives and friends. At this time of sadness we will not let our hearts dwell in sorrow. This is a time to celebrate Elva's life and to remember all the great memories that she shared with family and friends. She was a loving, kind, generous, and forgiving person. She was totally dedicated to her family as a homemaker. Her spirituality grew each day as she studied her Holy Bible. She was extremely proud of all her children and their spouses and her grandchildren. As the First Lady for the City of McAllen, she brought humility to every event she represented to the city. Each Christmas, she along with her two daughters and grandchildren, would deliver toys to needy families in Hidalgo County. She also served in the Mayor's Prayer Luncheon and Salvation Army boards. She was present at the birth of each of her eleven grandchildren. What made her happy was serving others. She was fondly known to her children and grandchildren as "Rit-da", "Momma Duck", "Nani", and "Heaven on Earth". She is survived by her husband, Richard Cortez; sons, Rick (Ana Temkin) Cortez and Jay (Susana Cantu) Cortez; daughters, Sandy (Gopinath) Chandrahasan and Laura (Tom) Mangelschots; grandchildren, Sarah Cortez, Eric Cortez, Alan Cortez, Daniel Cortez, Lucas Cortez, Carlos Reyes, Kailani Pace, Mia Chandrahasan, Evan Chandrahasan, Delphine Mangelschots, and Troy Mangelschots; and sisters, Consuelo Carrales, and Berta (Joe) Ramon. The family asks for donations to be made in Elva's name to Comfort House (617 Dallas, McAllen, TX 78501) or to The American Lung Association State Chapter (www.lung.org) Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 pm with a rosary recited at 7:00pm on Sunday, January 4, 2015 at Kreidler Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00am Monday, January 5, 2014 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church with entombment to follow at Valley Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Kreidlerfuneralhome.com Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries

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Published by The Monitor on Jan. 4, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for ELVA CORTEZ

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Delphine Mangelschots

March 7, 2020

She was my beautiful happy grandmother that I still hold dearly in my heart I always know that her presence is still with us

Emma G. Barron

January 25, 2015

Primo, With a heavy heart, Dan & I would like to extend our deepest condolences to you & your family......I will always remember Elva for her lovely smile & devotion to you, always by your side........May our Lord bless & comfort you always !

Emma G. Barron

January 25, 2015

Primo, With a heavy heart, Dan & I would like to extend our deepest condolences to you and your family.....I shall always rememberr Elva's lovely smile, may our Lord bless you all on this time of great sorrow and always......love you , Emma

Andy Veliz

January 10, 2015

Richard and family,
God bless your family.

Elva was a great friend of our family.

We miss her very much.
Andy C. & Thelma Eve Veliz

January 9, 2015

Elva and I met when I was 16 years old and began working at the Citrus Theater in Edinburg. At that time, her father, the late Jimmy Longoria, was the manager of the local movie theaters. We became close friends and went through high school together. We spoke about a date she'd had with a young man from Weslaco: Richard Cortez, who would become her future husband. I nicknamed him Mickey Mouse and that became our code name for Richard. I was privileged to stand in their wedding. To Richard and all of their family, Omar, my husband and I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences in the loss of our beautiful (but always fiesty) Elva. Our love and prayers are with you. Mary Lou (Garza) and Omar Hinojosa

Diego & Lillyana Rodriguez

January 8, 2015

We just learned today of Elva's death and we felt very bad for her death and for Richard. We were neighbors for many years and if have to define what was more significant about Elva, it was her smile. She was gentle and very nice, a true lady. Our deepest condolences to the whole family and much especially to Richard.

January 8, 2015

I met Elva for the first time in June 2005 as Richard was taking oath to become McAllen's Mayor. There she was next to Richard's side. Elva and Richard became our friends since then. Today Sylvia andI feel sad to know that Elva is no longer in this life with us. Our deepest condolences to Richard and all the Cortez' family. Roberto and Sylvia Gonzalez from Texas Border Business and Mega Doctor News.

January 7, 2015

Elva, We grew up living next door to each other. Rest in peace . To the family, my most profound condolences.

January 5, 2015

I am so sorry to know of Elva's passing and know that her loss has sadden your entire family. May you find strength from the memories of her smile,her voice and the times that all of you shared. She was always kind and sweet everytime I met her walking around the block. May she rest in peace and may God bless all of her love ones. Hilda Medrano

Quips and Quotes employees

January 5, 2015

Elva was an amazing lady we will surely miss her, our condolences to her family. Prayers to her loved ones.

January 5, 2015

Sandy, Mr. Cortez, and family - I am sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Cortez.

With thoughts of peace and courage for you all,
Jenny Hsu-Chandrahasan

Osvaldo & Alicia Cardoza

January 5, 2015

Our sincerest condolences to the Cortez family and to all the extended family of Elva. May she rest in God's peace.

January 5, 2015

So sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace and may you find comfort knowing she now walks hand in hand with our lord Jesus Christ. Mary Carranza Jackson (David Jackson's mom)

Frank Vasquez

January 5, 2015

...Richard, Un fuerte abrazo para ti y tu familia...our condolences to : Cortez and Longoria Families.

Ray & Adriana Pedraza

January 4, 2015

Mayor Cortez, our love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your deep faith in our Lord Jesus Christ bring you comfort and healing during this difficult time.

Norma Hinojosa

January 4, 2015

Our deepest condolences to the Cortez family.

Lucy & Armando Alvarado

January 4, 2015

Our deepest condolences go to the Cortez and Longoria Families! We have known Elva since she was a child, our families grew up together in Edinburg. It was very sad to hear of her passing. We pray that the Lord bless the family in every way possible and give them peace. Amen.

Deanna Neuberg & Family

January 4, 2015

Sincerest condolences to Elva's Family & Friends. May sweet memories of this special lady bring you comfort.

Janet & Bob Vackar

January 4, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Cortez family and their friends during the loss of Elva. She was a sweet, kind and elegant lady who was loved by everyone around her. May God surround you with peace and beautiful memories of a precious lady.

Linda Smith

January 4, 2015

We'll always remember Elva for the way she lived her life, foremost as a loving wife and mother, her generosity of spirit and acceptance towards others. Our heartfelt condolences to all family. We know you'll keep her close to you in your hearts forever. Love, Linda, Bettina, Christy, & Lauren

Maryalice Medina

January 4, 2015

Elva, my dear friend.
You were always so uplifting to me. I shall never forget you. The last time I saw you at HEB , and you told me you were ill, I prayed for you. Our kids grew up together in Weslaco, went to school together. So many memories there!
Go with The Lord Elva and when the angels call your name...say "present"!!
God bless you!
Maryalice Medina

January 4, 2015

Richard and family, may you be comforted by the wonderful memories you must have of Elva. Arturo and I remember her best as the friendly,caring and thoughtful person she was at Pan American University who was responsible for introducing us and bringing us together. Although we did not see Elva much throughout the years, we had a strong bond and lasting friendship. We were so happy to see her at the Edinburg 50th class reunion in October. Memories of her remain with everyone forever. May God's strength be your greatest comfort.
Arturo and Irma Cantu
Dallas, Tx. (formerly from Edinburg and McAllen)

January 4, 2015

Primo and kids, All my love to you at this time of rejoicing. Know that me and my family are with you and your kids. Love you forever, ChaCha Atkinson

Yesenia Rodriguez

January 4, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with you Mr.Cortez and your family. Mrs. Cortez was a kind and loving lady and it was a great pleasure to get to know her while you were Mayor. I remember her always smiling and always willing to give a helping hand. May she rest in peace.

Joseph and Diana Hicks

January 4, 2015

Richard and family, we send you our heartfelt condolences. We have such pleasant memories of Elva. May God give you strength during this difficult time. God bless you all.

M.E. Martiz

January 4, 2015

A truly kind and rigthsous soul! Will always be my memory of Mrs. Cortez.
Mr. Cortez, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of need. God bless you and your family.

At the EHS Class of '64 Reunion

January 4, 2015

We were truly blessed to enjoy her company at our fiftieth class reunion in October. She never complained and always had a smile on her face, we will miss her greatly. We had photos of Elva and her family for our reunion presentation and we will enjoy them again at our next reunion with fond memories of a beautiful friend. I am sending my prayers of peace and comfort to Richard and her family, Helen McClelland Jobes, EHS Class of '64.

January 4, 2015

Dear Richard, we were very fortunate to renew our acquaintance with you and Elva recently. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your wonderful family. Frank and Annette Margo

January 4, 2015

Richard, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of need. God bless you and your family.

Eliazar (Butch) Campos

January 4, 2015

Richard~Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Becky and Gordon Purl

Ruben J. Rocha

January 4, 2015

We have wonderful memories of the friendship between Elva and my Mom, from their days in Weslaco. Our deepest condolences to Richard, and the whole family. May Elva rest in Joy. She was a wonderful person full of life and we are grateful to have known her.

January 4, 2015

May fond memories bring you peace and the support of love ones soothe your pain in the days ahead. May you feel God's healing hand as you place your trust in Him
Irene De La Vina

Fidel and Yolanda Paras

January 4, 2015

Please accept our deepest sympathy. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. We have great memories of Elva.

January 4, 2015

I didn't see you often, but you always seemed very sweet to me. I know you will be terribly missed by all your family. My sympathies go out to your entire family. Rest in peace.
Geetha, Radha, Adam & Eric

Richard & Christina Balli

January 4, 2015

Richard please accept our most heartfelt condolences on your loss of Elva. Look back on all the good memories you shared with Elva and your family. Be Happy that she is now in the hands of a God and her parents in Heaven.

Richard & Christina Balli

Richard & Christina Balli

January 4, 2015

Richard please accept our most heartfelt condolences on your loss of Elva. Look back on all the good memories you shared with Elva and your family. Be Happy that she is now in the hands of a God and her parents in Heaven.


Richard & Christina Balli, McAllen, Texas

January 3, 2015

My thought and prayers are with you Mr. Cortez as well as with Rick, Jay, Sandy and laura . My Mom has spoke so highly of Miss Cortez all my life and I witnessed her grace every time I chatted with the boys through out the years. Always kind and respectful. God bless.
Rene Garcia Junior

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Memorial Events
for ELVA CORTEZ

Jan

4

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Kreidler Funeral Home, Inc. -

314 North 10th Street, McAllen, TX 78501

Jan

4

Rosary

7:00 p.m.

Kreidler Funeral Home, Inc. -

314 North 10th Street, McAllen, TX 78501

Jan

5

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church

TX

Jan

5

Entombment

Valley Memorial Gardens Mausoleum

TX

Funeral services provided by:

Kreidler Funeral Home, Inc. -

314 North 10th Street, McAllen, TX 78501

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