Maria Moreno Manrique

Maria Moreno Manrique, 94 yrs old, was born Maria de los Angeles Moreno, on October 2, 1920 to Edmundo Moreno and Herminia S. Moreno in the city of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. She was a very loving and extraordinarily devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, who passed away peacefully with her family at her side. The family fled Mexico due to the religious persecution and entered the United States, by way of San Antonio, Texas, with her father, mother, 3 brothers and 3 sisters when she was just 8 years old. The family later moved to Houston, Texas where she went to school and attended church at Our Lady of Guadalupe. She lived in a wonderful neighborhood of extended family members and close friends. Her devotion to her faith continued in her young adult life as she worked at a religious store making and repairing rosaries. One of her most cherished rosaries was the one she wore and used on her wedding day. On December 14, 1952 she and her beloved Philip Manrique Sr. were married at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. It was a beautiful wedding with a large wedding party and lots of family. After an elegant reception at her sister Lucia’s house, the couple traveled to San Antonio for their honeymoon and a visit to see Sister Mary Rachel, her eldest sister. Houston was their home until their move to Austin, Texas in 2009. An avid cook, you could always count on your favorite home cooked dish like fried chicken for your birthday, carnitas with chile verde for the family Easter picnic and fresh crab prepared three different ways. This was after spending a warm sunny day at Galveston netting crab after crab until the cooler could hold no more. Making tamales at Christmas or bunuelos for New Years was a big family event that we all looked forward to year after year. Neighborhood children flocked to her door Halloween for wax paper cones filled with her famous homemade popcorn. These events brought us all together for hours working, talking, and laughing. She was happiest when she was with her family celebrating these special times. Her love for children, especially her grandchildren was obvious to all who knew her. She displayed every piece of artwork or craft that her grandchildren made for her and their grandfather. All works were cherished and appreciated. Upon the announcement that a family member was expecting a baby, she began immediately crocheting her gift of a handmade baby blanket for the new arrival. This gift was a true labor of love. She loved gardening and was thrilled when the mayor of Houston, Louie Welch, sent her a letter commending her for her beautiful lush lawn and colorful garden. Fishing and crabbing was, without a doubt, a sport which she excelled at. It brought such joy and excitement no matter what size of fish or crab was caught. On October 23, 1997, after many years of studying for the exam and with the help of her family, she became a Naturalized Citizen of the United States of America. She loved the tranquility of nature often sitting out on the deck watching wildlife, especially butterflies, bustling around the yard. She and her dear husband Philip were married for 59 years and were inseparable until his passing on January 18, 2012. Surviving family include daughter Christina (Tina), her husband John Stockton, son Philip, wife Yolanda and 4 grandchildren, Philip III, Kristin, Alex and Andrew along with many many nephews and nieces. Many thanks to Heart to Heart Hospice and the caregivers that helped provide the loving care my mother received. Please join us for a reception following the interment at the home of Cathy and Gerardo Rivera, 1638 Woodcrest, Houston, TX 77018.