Maria Elena Saenz

Pflugerville - Maria Elena Saenz, 83, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister, friend, and faithful servant of the Lord entered into the kingdom of eternal life on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Sagebrook Nursing and Rehabilitation in Cedar Park, TX.

She was born in Mission, TX on August 11, 1941 to Guadalupe Prado Rivera and Arturo Rivera. Maria lived life with love, faith and dedication. In 1959, she married the love of her life, Jose A. Saenz Jr., and together they built a strong home and raised five children.

Maria possessed a strong work ethic, contributing her talents to the IRS and as a bank teller for many years. She was deeply involved in her children's lives, dedicating her time and energy as president of the PTA. In her leisure time Maria found joy in cooking for her family, tending to her garden and flowers, indulging in telenovelas, traveling, shopping for loved ones, and delighting in music, dancing, and friendly games of cards and bingo.

A devout follower of Christ, Maria dedicated countless hours to serve within the United Methodist Church. As a member of El Divino Redentor United Methodist Church, she contributed her voice to the choir, supported the church's food pantry, participated in adult classes and was an active member of the United Methodist Women.

Maria is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jose A. Saenz Jr.; her son, Elias Saenz; her parents, Guadalupe Prado Rivera and Arturo Rivera; and two granddaughters, Rebecca Cine Gaitan and Roxanne Leonie Saenz.

Mrs. Saenz is survived by her four loving children, Jose Eduardo (Sandra Lee) Saenz of Edinburg, Ernesto Saenz of Los Fresnos, Margot Saenz Green of Pflugerville, Michelle Saenz Zulaica of Bastrop; her seven cherished grandchildren; Florinda, Ernesto, Cassandra, Ashlee, Avery, Michael, and Elaine; nine great-grandchildren, with another joyful expected in March; and her sister, Irma Gutierrez of Boise, ID.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m., with a 6 p.m. prayer service Friday, March 7, 2025, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E Canton in Edinburg.

A memorial service celebrating Maria's life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 8, 2025, at El Divino Redentor United Methodist Church in McAllen. Cremation will follow at Memorial Cremation Center in Edinburg. Maria's legacy of love, faith, and service will be remembered forever by those who knew and loved her. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family and community will be deeply missed.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.