Maria A. Banda

Weslaco: Maria A. Banda, 83, passed away at her home in Weslaco on Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021. Maria was born on October 1st, 1937 to Mauricio Patino and Felipa Castro Patino. Maria married Feliciano Banda in 1960, and together they raised seven children.

Maria always put God first in her life and led by example. Maria was a God-fearing woman who was zealous about the things of the Lord. She followed His commandment and shared the Gospel with friends and strangers. Maria strived to bring as many people to Christ as possible, and her dedication and hard work came to fruition in 2004 when she, her husband, children, and children in law, and other brothers and sisters in Christ along with their families founded Full Vision Christian Center. Maria spent most of her waking hours worshipping and serving Jesus and others. She was the founder of Full Vision Christian center and an active member, serving the community, singing worship songs, and preaching. Maria was very generous, caring, and hospitable. She never met a stranger and had many lifelong friends. Maria was a ball of fire, determined, driven, and very organized.

When Maria was not spending time at church, she enjoyed cooking delicious meals for family and friends. Maria also enjoyed crafts, gardening, and caring for her grandchildren. She always made the grandchildren a priority. Maria and Feliciano were a perfect pair. Maria always made sure that Feliciano was eating well and staying healthy, whether he wanted to or not. Maria had a great sense of humor, and she playfully “got after” Feliciano, which always made the children laugh.

Maria was loved, cherished, and respected by all who knew her. She always had great advice and loved to share stories about the good old days. Many of Maria’s stories included her parents and how they taught her how to value life, people, and work hard.

Maria is preceded in death by her parents, Mauricio and Felipa Patino, children Daniel Banda and Martha Alvarado.

She is survived by her loving husband, Feliciano, her children, Janie Banda of Weslaco, Frank Banda (Isabel) of Pharr, Mary Montelongo (Arturo+) of Weslaco, Sara Jimenez (Francisco) of Weslaco, and Eliud Banda (Yvette) of Weslaco, sister, Rosa Maria Alvarado, fourteen grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many more who she cared for like her own family.

Visitation will be 10 am-9 pm, Thursday, June 3rd, 2021, at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco with a celebration of life at 7 pm. Graveside services will be Friday, June 4th, at 1 pm, at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco.