Esperanza Verastegui

McAllen- Esperanza Verastegui, 87, passed away at her home on Saturday, January 28th, 2023. Esperanza was born on June 22, 1935, to Julian and Leonor (Cano) De los Santos in Pharr, Texas. 

Esperanza was a feisty kid. She learned to drive at the age of nine, self-taught. She did this by taking her older brother's truck without his knowledge. Unfortunately, Esperanza's eagerness to grow up and drive didn't come without consequences. She had plenty of accidents throughout her self-taught driver's education class. 

Esperanza met her soulmate, Antonio R. Verastegui, in Reynosa, Mexico,  when they were teenagers. They married on March 4th, 1957, and spent the rest of their lives together. They raised eight children together. Esperanza was an entrepreneur, and her "no fear" attitude remained dominant throughout her life. 

While Antonio was working as a journalist in Reynosa, Esperanza raised cows and had a successful farming business. She also owned and operated a trucking company and a body shop. Esperanza could milk a cow, drive an eighteen-wheeler, fix many vehicles, and manage employees. When she was done with her work day, Esperanza would step back into her role as homemaker and mom. 

Esperanza was an excellent homemaker, maintaining a well-organized and clean home. She was also a great cook and a loving mom. First, however, she hunted for the family meals. Once she caught her prey, Esperanza would prepare an elegant dinner and play the piano to relax. 

Her high energy level didn't come without consequences. Esperanza had her first of twenty strokes in 1988. She and Antonio moved to Florida in 1994, and Esperanza finally took some well-deserved rest. She loved fishing and spending time at the beach.

In 2005, Esperanza and Antonio moved to the Rio Grande Valley and spent the rest of their time in McAllen. Esperanza still enjoyed the beach and spending time with family and friends. She always loved a fun game of Loteria, and to no surprise, she was an excellent poker player.

Esperanza is preceded in death by her parents, Julian and Leonor De los Santos; her husband, Antonio R. Verastegui; children, Higinio, Concepcion, Antonio, and Salvador Verastegui; granddaughter, Antonieta Acuna Verastegui, and siblings, Juan, Joaquin, Maria Eliza, Nazaria, Matiana De los Santos. 

She is survived by her daughter, Esperanza Verastegui (Isauro Acuña), Higinio Manuel  Verastegui (Rose), Andres  Verastegui (Connie), and Arelina  Verastegui (Salvador), numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. 

Arrangements are private.