Maria E. Aguilar

Maria “Mary” Enriqueta (Lerma) Aguilar, 94, gained her heavenly wings on April 13, 2023. She passed at her home in Houston, Texas surrounded by family.

Maria was born via mid-wife in Harlingen, Texas on July 15, 1928. The youngest of seven children in the home, she was the last surviving sibling. Her father was an agricultural truck driver and her mother passed when Maria was just twelve years old.

Maria married Conrado “Toto” Aguilar on April 30, 1950, and they later moved to Houston where they were actively involved in Holy Name Catholic Church for several decades. In addition to teaching Sunday school, serving as a eucharist minister and volunteering at the food pantry, Maria was a member of the Guadalupana Society, Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, and Catholic Daughters of America. She was also a founding member of the Madres a Madres Chapter at Holy Name Catholic Church, a non-profit that provides health and education services to low-income Latino communities.

A faithful Catholic, Maria often spoke of the miracles of God she witnessed. Her home is adorned by photos of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and several saints. Maria was rarely seen without a rosary in her hand; she prayed it daily and passed away holding one. She also spent her time reading prayer cards, singing hymns, or watching EWTN.

Maria’s ability to make everyone feel special was a source of love and kindness to family and friends. She lived in the Northside of Houston most of her adult life and watched several generations of the “Moody Park” kids grow up and start their own families. Maria was also the self-anointed Lerma and Aguilar family oral historian, passing down stories told about generations before her. She often shared stories of riding in her father’s truck to transport cotton farm workers throughout the 1930’s and 40’s when racism was prominent in the Texas valley.

Maria is survived by her children: Conrado “Sonny” Aguilar, Jr. (Karen), Joe Aguilar (Susan), Gavino Aguilar (Eva), Richard Aguilar, Cynthia Barajas (Mike), Nora Martinez, and Placida Linda Mares. She also leaves behind 17 grandchildren; 30+ great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren.

Maria is preceded in death by her husband, Conrado M. Aguilar, daughter, Belinda “Lorie” Aguilar (John Uribe), twins who did not survive a miscarriage, her grandson, Sammy Garza, Jr., and son-in-law, Alfredo Martinez.