Dora L. Robles

Corpus Christi- Dora L. Robles, 71, passed away, surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023, at Angel Bright Hospice in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Dora was born on January 5th, 1951, to Florio Esparza Sr. and Maria Emma Valdez in Harlingen, Texas.

Dora grew up in Weslaco but spent much of her time in Puerto Rico at the family ranch with her grandparents. Dora discovered her unique genetic condition when she was pregnant with her only son, Sonny. She went into a coma for three days after his birth, so Sonny was her little miracle, and she adored him. Unfortunately, Dora was born with a rare vascular disorder, and her health slowly deteriorated for the rest of her life. However, it didn't discourage Dora from working hard and living life to the fullest.

In 1985, Dora was introduced to Ramiro "Ram" Robles by her best friend, Melba. They were an instant match. She and Ram were married soon after and spent the rest of their lives together.

In Dora's younger years, she worked in retail and worked her way up to management. Retail hours usually included nights and weekends. When Dora was offered a starting position at the Department of Defense in the accounting department, which included a pay-cut, and a demotion, she was reluctant. However, her motherly instinct took over, and Dora realized that a state job could have been more conducive to spending much-needed time with her son and husband. So, she began a career as an assistant in the accounting department at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi. In typical Dora style, her tenacity and intelligence quickly earned her many promotions. Dora eventually became the account manager for the entire department at the Naval Air Station in Corpus. Due to health conditions, Dora retired after thirty-four years of service to our country.

When Dora wasn't working, she enjoyed visiting casinos with friends and family. She was a great homemaker and fixed excellent meals. Dora was very good at managing finances, clipping coupons, and finding bargains. She also enjoyed some quiet time and watching movies.

Dora's positive attitude was her greatest asset. Although Dora's genetic condition resulted in over twenty surgeries, eight of them significant, she never complained. In the most strenuous times (i.e., spending a month in ICU), Dora always said, "I'm fine." Dora even drove herself to dialysis every evening after work for eight years, not that she didn't have numerous volunteers, including her husband; that was just Dora. She was determined to take on any challenge with courage and faith.

Dora's faith was firm and never waivered. She had a close relationship with God, which molded her character. Dora's character affected countless people that God placed in Dora's path. She treated everyone, whether friends, family, or strangers, with love and compassion, including her dogs. She was a dog lover, and she and Ram had many furry friends throughout their marriage. Dora's heart of gold earned her the love, respect, and affection of all who knew her.

Dora's miraculous journey mystified most doctors. Her high pain tolerance and resilience were unmatched, but she is now pain-free and healed by her Lord and Savior and will forever be an inspiration to everyone she touched.

Dora is preceded in death by her father, Florio Esparza Sr. She is survived by her mom, Maria Emma Valdez, loving husband, Ramiro "Ram" Robles Jr., son, Oscar Santino "Sonny" Handy (Noelia "Nobea"); step-son, Ramiro "RJ" Jaime Robles (Jeanie), sisters, Guadalupe Arredondo, Thelma Reyna (Daniel), brother, Florio Esparza Jr. (Martha), grandchildren, Joshua Andrew Handy, Sarah Kaitlyn Handy, Katerina, Averie Robles, and numerous nieces and nephews.


Visitation will be Sunday, January 8th, 1-9 pm, with a rosary at 7 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be Monday, January 9th, at 10 am, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Weslaco, followed by burial at Sacred Park Cemetery in Mercedes.