Maria Magdalena Mata

Maria Magdalena (Maggie) Guzman Mata finished her fight here on earth December 2, 2022. She passed at home peacefully, surrounded by her family. Maggie was born in Edinburg, Texas on August 18, 1948, to Manuela and Jesus Guzman. She graduated from Edinburg High School in 1967. She then went on to get her nursing degree from Pan American University in 1969.

Maggie touched so many lives in her 34 years of nursing and volunteer work associated with the hospital and her church home, Westover Hills Church of Christ. She went on countless medical mission trips, as she spread the love of the Jesus to people around the world. She was an amazing provider for her family and taught her children to love and live. Maggie married Nazario (Eddie) Mata on October 16, 1971, in McAllen, Texas. Theirs was a love story was for the ages. Through thick and thin they made it 51 years with love and compassion. She moved to Austin, Texas with her young family in the spring of 1977 where she joined the Seton medical group which she dedicated her life to for 34 years. In 1990, she was named nurse of the year out of all the hospitals they owned. Her soft touch and quick shot were loved by all her patients. She was charge nurse at Seton’s five South post op floor and was a force to be reckoned with in all her 5’1” body. Maggie taught so many nurses how to be better at their profession and life in general. She loved her husband for more than 51 years, loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart. In fact, she loved everyone. She was always momma Maggie or Grandma Maggie or great friend Maggie.

Mags fought a great fight and went home like she would have wanted. At home with her family and her puppy, Chiquita, who rarely left her side. She will be remembered of fondly by more people than she would ever realize.

Preceded in death by Jesus and Manuela Guzman, Betty Palacios, Alicia Munoz and Abelardo Mercado.

Maggie is survived by her loving family Nazario (Eddie) Mata, Cristy Mata Hernandez (Ruben Hernandez), Ricardo Mata and Julie Mata Olinger (Chris Olinger). Her grandchildren Victoria and Alexandria Hernandez, Joaquin Mata and Alonzo Mata were her pride and joy. Grandma Maggie was also honorary grandparent to Alyssa and Mollie Stringer and Marc, Gracie and Ace Hernandez.

The family would like to express their love and gratitude to the team of hospices and health caregivers who made everything a little easier during her illness. JJ Jones and Janell Duggar from Bluebonnet Hospice and Shelia Hayes. We would also like to thank Marlen Andrade Flores, who took care of her daily and treated her like her own mom. Donations can be made in her name to Power for Parkinson’s Austin chapter.

Her life celebration will begin with a visitation on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, from 4-8pm at Cook Walden Funeral home located at 6100 North Lamar, Austin, Texas 78752. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Westover Hills Church of Christ at 8332 Mesa Drive, Austin, Texas 78758 at 1:00 pm. Internment will be immediately following the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Mata family.