Weslaco: Maria Guadalupe Esquivel, 84, passed away peacefully at her home in Weslaco on Tuesday, November 9th, 2021 surrounded by her loved ones. On July 4th, 1937, Maria was the firstborn child of Mauricio Mendez and Patricia Limon. She was born in Matamoros, Mexico, and migrated to the United States when she was a young girl and spent the rest of her life in Weslaco.
Maria married Jesus Esquivel, and they had five children together. Maria became a widow at the age of forty-eight. Maria was able to provide for herself and her children by cleaning houses and working hard. She was a warrior and never afraid or intimated by work and one of Maria’s favorite pastimes was shopping. Just like any other woman she loved shopping for shoes, blouses, and purses.
Maria met Raymundo Yado in 2000, and they have been companions ever since. Maria loved to travel, and she and Raymundo were able to take many trips together, exploring Mexico and visiting family and friends all over the United States. Maria appreciated authentic food and recipes, so she made it a point to frequent as many local restaurants as possible. Maria loved to sing and dance. She was very photogenic and always seemed to remember to capture memories with pictures. Maria also enjoyed knitting and just relaxing with Raymundo, her friends, and her family.
Maria had a heart of gold and never turned down an opportunity to help someone in need. Her door was always open, and she never met a stranger.
Maria is preceded in death by her parents, Mauricio and Patricia Mendez, her husband, Jesus Esquivel, daughter, Thelma Esquivel, grandson, Eric Malloy, brothers, Juan Inez Vasquez and Felipe Vasquez.
She is survived by her companion of over twenty years, Raymundo Yado, her children, Jesus Esquivel, Patricia Malloy (Raymond), Juan Esquivel (Silvia), Gerardo Esquivel (Sandra), grandchildren, Yvette Gonzalez (Jay), Thelma Vega (Miguel), Rogelio Esquivel, Juan Esquivel (Ellie), Gerardo Enrique Esquivel, Eric Esquivel, Isabella Esquivel, great-grandchildren, Mario and Mandy Martinez, Romeo, Yesenia, and Skyler Vega, Itzel, Galilea, and Fabian Esquivel, siblings, Isidoro Mendez, Inocencio “Chencho ” Mendez, Buenaventura Cadengo (Juan), Sotera Montoya (Cosme), and Juana Fraire (Eliobardo).
Visitation will be Friday, November 12th, 3-9 pm, at McCaleb Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 13th, at 9 am at Highland Memorial Park.