Magdalena Cuellar Cabrera

Magdalena Cabrera, a beloved member of the Donna community, was born on November 8, 1935, in Mexico. After a life filled with hard work, resilience, and unwavering faith, she departed on December 12, 2024, at The Rio at Mission Trails in San Antonio, Texas.

Magdalena's early years were shaped by her upbringing in Donna, where she met and married Isaac Cuellar Sr. in 1956. Tragically, following her husband's untimely death, she became a young widow and single mother. Despite this hardship, Magdalena showcased incredible fortitude. She opened Cuellar Daycare in Donna, a successful venture that enriched the lives of many children and families in the community. Her daycare served as a sanctuary of care, love, and development for over twenty years, reflecting her dedication as a nurturing figure. Magdalena’s daycare also brought her tremendous satisfaction and joy.

Her personality was characterized by her hardworking nature and readiness to help others in need. Magdalena was not just a businesswoman; she was a pillar of support for countless families, embodying the spirit of community and compassion. She was a great cook; her homemade tortillas and buñuelos were mouth-watering. She enjoyed spending time with her immediate and extended family, laughing, enjoying good company, and eating. Many times, they escaped to the beach for an Easter tradition. 

Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Magdalena was deeply committed to her faith. With great honor, she served as Guadalupana and Eucharist minister at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she devoted her time to various ministries. Her contributions included making rosaries for parishioners and those in need, which stemmed from her daily engagement with her faith, including reading her Bible and praying.

In addition to her community work, Magdalena found joy in gardening, decorating cakes, crafting bracelets, and traveling. She cherished the opportunities to explore and experience the beauty of numerous states across the United States and Mexico.

Magdalena Cabrera's life is an enduring testament to her strength, faith, and dedication to helping those around her. She leaves a legacy of compassion and community service that will be remembered by all who know her.

Magdalena was preceded in death by her parents, Vidal and Amalia (Jimenez) Castillo; her first husband and father of her children, Isaac Cuellar Sr.; her husband, Domingo Cabrera; her grandson, Rene Lugo; her great-granddaughter, Sophia Barajas; her nephews, Jose Vidal Martinez, Lionel Gonzalez, Manuel Gonzalez, Vidal Gonzalez, and Danny Gonzalez; her nieces, Rachel Morales and Frances Rivas Smith; and her sisters, Gregoria Gonzalez, Augustina Morales, Maria Luz Castillo, Victoria Ochoa, and Belia Garza. 

She is survived by her sons, Isaac Cuellar Jr. (Jerri), Alfredo Cuellar, and Francisco Cuellar (Janie); daughters, Irene Rubio (Ruben) and Ana Bertha Garcia; sister, Maria Rivas (Alonso+); brother, Margarito Castillo (Mary); twelve grandchildren, Kara, Katie, Justin, JJ, Kristy, Ulric, Cassie, Vanessa, Corina, Ruben, Aleida, Cora, thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Visitation services will be held at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco, Texas, on Monday, December 16, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a Holy Rosary at 7 pm both evenings. A Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Donna on December 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM, followed by burial at Val Verde Memorial Gardens.

Ulric Cuellar, Ruben I. Rubio, Jay Villanueva, Ruben Rubio, John Hardaway, and David Castillo will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be her great-grandsons, Luke and Carter Coleman. 

Magdalena's memory will continue to be a source of inspiration for her family, friends, and all those who were influenced by her remarkable life.