Maria Padilla Bañuelos was born June 19, 1944 in Brownsville, TX to Absalon and Luisa Gerrero Padilla. The third of 12 children, Maria had a happy childhood with her siblings, grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousin in what she always fondly referred to as “El Rancho,” just outside of the Brownsville city limits.
Maria graduated from Brownsville High School and married her childhood sweetheart, Victoriano Treviño. Although he tragically passed away at a young age, his legacy continued through their children Marko and Monica. She then attended Texas Southmost College where she met Victor Bañuelos who caught her attention, she often said with his big brain and nerdiness. They remained married until his death in 2021. Together they had three children, Cristina, Polo, and Victor.
Maria completed her education with a Bachelor’s degree in education at Pan American University and enjoyed her career as an elementary school teacher. She often entertained those around her with stories about her students and adventures at Canales Elementary School where she spent most of her years at BISD. Maria had unwavering faith in GOD that guided her throughout her life. She was a member of Livingway Family Church often serving as a greeter on Sunday mornings. From both work and church she collected lifelong friends.
The cornerstone of Maria’s life was family. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her best friends were her sisters, brothers and she adored her nieces and nephews. Maria loved her life in Brownsville and after her retirement in 2011, a perfect day included visits with family and friends, shopping for her next stylish find and lunch at el Torito. With family, friends and often strangers Maria had a generous and giving nature and always ensured everyone had what they needed. Her spirit was beautiful inside and out.
Maria is preceded in death by her parents, Absalon and Luisa Padilla, her aunt Trinidad Guerrero, her uncle Lupe Guerrero, her cousin, Delia Pequeño, her sister Ofelia Torres, her brother Jesus Padilla, and her late husbands Victoriano Treviño and Victor Bañuelos, She is survived by her five children, Marko Trevino (Angie), Monica Bates, Cristina Bañuelos (Hasani Claxton), Polo Bañuelos (Justin Olsen), Victor Bañuelos (Sabrina) and grandchildren, Gabriele Scholes (Ty), Nichole Treviño Bates, Victoriano Trevino, Ashlynn Treviño, Josiah Treviño, Joaquin Treviño, Victoria Bañuelos, Taylor Bañuelos, Cristian Bañuelos, Ali Bañuelos, Kailey Bañuelos. She also leaves behind siblings Juanita Torres, Lupita Blazadu, Trinidad Perez, Gloria Padilla (Don Finley), Tony Padilla, Salon Padilla, Luis Padilla, Diana Padilla, Letty Padilla, brother in law Tony Trevino, sisters in law Yolanda Padilla, Adela Bañuelos, Blanca Bañuelos, Linda Bañuelos and Hilda Bañuelos and numerous nieces and nephews
Maria strongly believed in the power of education and avidly encouraged people to continue their studies especially those pursuing a degree in education. To honor her memory, you may contribute to the Victor Banuelos Memorial Fund here (https://banuelosmemorialfund.org/donations/) which awards scholarships to local graduating high school seniors.
A visitation for Maria will be held Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm with a memorial service at 7:00 pm at Funeraria Del Angel Rose Lawn. A chapel service will occur Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Funeraria Del Angel Rose Lawn followed by a burial at 2:00 PM at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens.
