Maria (Ma Cuqui) Aguirre

Weslaco- Maria (Ma Cuqui) Aguirre, a woman of remarkable strength, generosity, and love, passed away on June 30, 2024, at her home in Weslaco, surrounded by her adoring family. She was born on January 9, 1925, to Modesto and Maria (Jesusita) Cazares in Mercedes, Texas.

Ma Cuqui’s life was a testament to resilience and entrepreneurship, traits she inherited from her parents, pioneers in Weslaco. At a very young age, Cuqui worked at the family-owned Cazares Cafe and boarding house for recent immigrants. There, she met her soulmate, Jose Guadalupe (Lupe) Aguirre. Their union in 1948 marked the beginning of a legendary partnership that lasted for sixty-eight wonderful years until Jose's passing in 2016.

Together with Lupe, Cuqui fearlessly embarked on various ventures. They ran a thriving meat market in Reynosa and dedicated many years to selling goods at the Mercedes Flea Market. Cuqui even worked for Dickies for many years while managing their businesses. After retirement, Cuqui continued to love cooking as she was the head cook at her son’s restaurant (Las Palmas Cafe). The Aguirres were known for their entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take on new challenges.

A brilliant mind from an early age, Cuqui excelled in her education despite unconventional circumstances. Her God-given entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as she navigated various business endeavors with finesse.

Cuqui's warm heart extended beyond business into her passion for cooking and hosting guests at her home. She welcomed all who needed help with open arms and habitually invited weary immigrants to rest for a few nights, weeks, and even years. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she touched the lives of many with her kind spirit.

Cuqui enjoyed hobbies such as singing, dancing, cooking, and traveling with her family. They created many cherished memories while traveling to Fiesta, Disney World, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Colorado, California, and many places in Mexico. 

One of Cuqui's proudest accomplishments was undoubtedly her devotion to family. She attended numerous sports events to cheer on her children and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews with unwavering support and love.

Maria (Cuqui) Aguirre will be remembered as a vibrant soul whose impact reached far beyond the boundaries of Weslaco. Her feisty spirit, keen business sense, and boundless love will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known her. 

Cuqui is preceded in death by her parents, Modesto and Jesusita Cazares; her beloved husband, Jose Guadalupe Aguirre; her two sons, Jose Guadalupe Aguirre & Jose Guadalupe Aguirre; and her daughters, Gracie Gonzalez & Janie Chavez, her siblings, Candelario “Cande” Cazares, Juanita Moreno, Leonzo “Loncho” Cazares, Modesto “Mode” Cazares, Sacramento “Mento” Cazares, Teodora (Tiol) Villarreal, Carolina Polanco, and Geofredo Cazares. 

Her children survive her: Lupe Aguirre (Mary Alice) and Mando Aguirre (Myrtha), Lolie Garza (Larry+), Maricela Rodriguez (Alfredo), Mary Castillo (Fred), Alma Aguirre Marines (Javier), son-in-law Jesse Chavez, and one sister, Dora Azoca, all of Weslaco, TX.

Cuqui’s legacy won't soon be forgotten as she also has twenty-six grandchildren Enrique "Ricky" Villanueva Jr. (Margie), Daniel Villanueva (Laura), Edward "Jay" Villanueva, Marissa Rodriguez (Ruben), Alfredo Rodriguez (Zeida), Jaime Rodriguez (Jessica), Myra Hough (Michael), Christopher Eli Gonzalez, Renee Gonzalez, Anita Gonzalez (Smiley Regalado), Michael Aguirre (Christine), Joseph Aguirre, Anika Calixto (Alex), Jessica Burnias (Joe), Jenna Chavez (Ashley), Jayme Medrano (Steven), Vanessa Contreras (Andrew), Valerie Castillo (Brittany), Victoria Lara (Rudy), Alfredo "Freddy" Castillo (JoSel), Miguel "Mike" Marines Jr. (Adriana), Marco "Mark" Marines (Lisa ), Matthew Marines, Armando Aguirre Jr., Amanda Aguirre, Alexa Aguirre, sixty-two great-grandchildren and thirty-five great-great-grandchildren, countless nephews and nieces, and adopted children, who all called her "Ma Cuqui". 

Cuqui's family will remember her most as a feisty, energetic, happy-go-lucky, but most importantly, generous woman with a heart of gold who would open her arms to anyone in their time of need. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 3, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a Holy Rosary at 7 p.m. The funeral mass will be held at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church on July 4 at 10 a.m. Following Mass, she will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park.

. 

Maria (Cuqui) Aguirre will be remembered as a vibrant soul whose impact reached far beyond the boundaries of Weslaco. Her feisty spirit, keen business sense, and boundless love will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known her.