Maria Elena was born in Brownsville, TX and graduated from Brownsville High School. She was employed at Hagar Slacks until they closed and then attended UTB/TSC in Brownsville, TX. While attending college, Maria Elena worked in the Business Technology Department where she met many new friends. Nena earned two certificates While attending school, one in Office Specialist and the other in Legal Studies.
She also completed the coursework for an AAS in Paralegal Studies.Maria Elena passed away at home after a long battle with cancer. Nena approached her illness with a strength that was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was a strong and resilient woman who found happiness in everything she did. In addition to dancing to her favorite songs and learning new dancing styles with her friends, she enjoyed spending time outside watering her plants. Her greatest joy was taking care of her cat Minnie, and feeding stray cats and dogs and all the birds that visited her house.
Support given through Safe Haven Hospice. Many thanks to her very special friends Magdalena and Jose for the loving care they provided her throughout her illness and in her final
Maria is survived by her sister Carmen Jenkinson.
Maria was preceded in death by her father Ubaldo Ruiz Sr. † and her mother Trinidad Ruiz †; her brother Ubaldo (Wally) Ruiz Jr. † and her brother Juan Ruiz †.
She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and other family members.
A memorial service for Maria will be held Wednesday, July 5, 2023 from 6PM to 9PM with a Rosary at 7PM in chapel of peace at Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista, 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521. A mass will occur Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 2PM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1218 E Jefferson, Brownsville, Texas 78520. Followed by a burial at 3PM at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4464 Old Port Isabel Road, Brownsville, TX.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelbuenavista.com for the Ruiz family.
