Esther C Mata

A graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University, Esther enjoyed a thirty-year career as an educator in the Edgewood Independent School District, where her devotion to her students and fondness for all things heart-themed earned her the title of Queen of Hearts. Retirement, she often marveled, in no way slowed her pace, as her devotion to her profession prompted her to continue to tutor and educate as she simultaneously embarked on the new adventure of entrepreneurship by opening an antique store she would run throughout her life. Despite her busy schedule, she still managed to maintain her reputation as a sociable, carefree, cheerful, fun-loving woman with frequent vacations to the Bahamas and casinos with family and friends. A motherly figure and best friend to many, she particularly loved pouring her life into her family and sharing stories that often left those around her enthralled.

She joins her husband, Lt. Col. Benjamin M. Mata; parents, Manuel and Sabastiana Castillo; and siblings, Lt. Manuel Castillo, Oralia Castillo, and Mando Castillo. She will be remembered by her sister, Minerva Guerrero; niece, Deborah Guerrero; nephew, Rene G. Guerrero, Jr.; his wife, Cindi; their daughter, Chanine; Joana De Sa Pereira and a multitude of other very dear friends from all around the world who were like family to her; and her dog, Reyna.