Elvira G. Villarreal

McALLEN – Elvira G. Villarreal, 88, passed into eternal life with Christ on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 in Edinburg. She received her Last Rites of Holy Sacrament and was surrounded by her loved ones. She was born Elvira D. Garcia in Mission, Texas on September 5, 1926 to Cornelio and Fidela Diaz Garcia. At age 16, Elvira G. Villarreal lost her loving mother to a sudden illness. She lived in Mission with her father and three brothers and they shared a strong, loving bond. They supported and adored each other. She was the last survivor in her first family. She married Nazario R. Villarreal on March 9, 1958 and moved to McAllen, and they had six children. She is preceded in death by her husband Nazario, their infant daughter Maria Elena Villarreal, her parents and three brothers Silverio, Jose, and Emerico Garcia. Elvira G. Villarreal was married to Nazario for more than 51 years, until his death five years ago in November 2009. She was a faithful wife and dedicated mother. She made sure her children were healthy and safe. She nursed her children to good health when they were ill. She was loving, caring, devoted, humble and lived very simply. As parents, Elvira and Nazario emphasized making good choices, studying hard, getting an education, having a strong work ethic, being humble, and helping each other selflessly. Besides her immediate family and relatives, Elvira had many old neighbors and dear lifelong friends whom she visited and who called often to check how she was doing or if she needed anything. Elvira G. Villarreal enjoyed living independently her last seven years and was very appreciative of her neighbors at Sunset Garden Senior Apartments. Her neighbors called and checked on her daily, sharing with her gifts such as half a watermelon or half a sack of potatoes. She was loved and adored by many for her kindness and generosity. She gave thanks for her small community. Elvira G. Villarreal and her children are especially thankful for Mireya Gonzalez, her provider for the last six years, who tended to her daily needs and became a very dear friend. Elvira G. Villarreal was a lifelong Catholic and prayed daily for her children and grandchildren. She loved visiting La Virgen De San Juan to thank Christ and his Blessed Mother for answered prayers. Elvira’s love and dedication to her family was abundant and she is greatly missed. She is survived by two sons and three daughters, Nazario Villarreal, Jr. (Julia), Adriana Villarreal, Santos Villarreal, Jose Maria “Joe” Villarreal (Lupita), and Elvira “Vicky” Villarreal Chapa (Paul Daniel Chapa); and eight grandchildren, Nazario Roberto “Bobby” Villarreal, Joel Dominque “Nick” Villarreal, Michael Gabriel Villarreal, Eric Steven Villarreal, John Daniel Chapa, Kaylie Elizabeth Chapa, Emily Grace Chapa, and Chloe Camille Chapa. She referred to her children and later her grandchildren as her tesoros (treasures). She loved all her children and grandchildren immensely; these were her last words. Family received friends on Thursday, November 27, 2014 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a rosary that evening at Funeraria del Angel in Mission. Funeral service was Friday, November 28, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Funeraria del Angel. Interment followed to Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care of Funeraria del Angel, a dignity memorial provider, 3611 N. Taylor Rd. in Mission.