Elma E. Barrera

Cedar Park/Santa Rosa - Elma E. Barrera believed in the dicho, "la educación es el único regalo que nadie se puede quitar (education is the only gift no one can take away from you)." As the first Hispanic teacher in Santa Rosa ISD, Elma devoted her 33-year teaching career to passing on that gift to every child in her hometown, ensuring they knew, no matter their background, that their future was theirs to create. Her positive energy and constant smile left a mark on all who knew her, so much so they named the elementary school in her honor, the Elma E. Barrera Elementary in Santa Rosa ISD.

Born September 13, 1934, her father Merced ran a barber shop and later a general store in downtown Santa Rosa. Her mother, Gregoria, was a trailblazer in her own right, having attended college in the 1920's, rare for a Hispanic woman of that time. Her mother's education was made possible by the encouragement and support of women in the local Methodist Church. The lesson was not lost on Gregoria's eldest daughter, Elma, that education was a gift meant to be shared.

Elma, known to family and friends as "Mita," not only shared her passion for learning, but she lovingly shared her commitment to her faith as well. A parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Santa Rosa, Elma taught CCD for years helping children prepare for first communion. She served as President of "Las Damas," sung in the Spanish Choir, served on the Church Council, made tacos and crafts for fundraisers at the Jamaicas, helped make rosaries, and taught English in night classes to support women in their jobs and their desire to be more active in their children's education.

She was dependable, bringing menudo and buñuelos over on Christmas mornings. She was a rock, serving as the primary caregiver for her aging parents, and eventually retiring from teaching when their health conditions grew more severe, ensuring they lived out their lives with dignity and love. She was the glue, always making time for her nieces and nephews and instilling in them the importance of family. Time with "Tiá Mita" meant helping set up her classroom, taking a ride in her Chevy Nova, playing with her dog Lito and her parrot Loro, dancing to Freddie Fender, and singing along as she played guitar. One of her favorite songs was "This Little Light of Mine," as Elma made sure that everyone she touched had a chance to shine.

Elma Barrera played many roles, as devoted daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, friend, and servant leader. The consistent thread through it all was how, with joy and grace, she lived out Jesus' commandment "to love one another, as I have loved you."

On December 9, 2022, Elma passed away from natural causes. She leaves behind her five younger sisters, Evelina (Oscar+) Barrera, Romanita (Shirlon) McCoy, Elizabeth (Carlos) Cantú, Sylvia (Pablo) Cusco, and Blanca Barrera, as well as many adoring nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

The family would like to thank The Springs Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Cedar Park, Texas and Magnolia Hospice, especially Nurse Sheena Roffino. As an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St. Mary's Catholic Church and Elma E. Barrera Elementary in Santa Rosa, Texas.

Visitation will begin Thursday, December 15, 2022 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a rosary at 7:00 pm at Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen, Texas. Funeral service will begin Friday, December 16, 2022 departing Rudy Garza Funeral Home of Harlingen, Texas at 9:15 am for a Mass of Christian burial at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 10:00 am in Santa Rosa, Texas with burial to follow at Restlawn Memorial Park in La Feria, Texas. Pallbearers will be Carlos Cantú, Javier Barrera, Olga Cusco, Maria Cantú Hexsel, Ana Cantú Ortega, Marili Cantú Burbes, and Noe Moriada, III (honorary).