Elida E. Useda

Elida Espinoza (Garza) Useda was born December 5, 1936 (85) in San Juan, Texas where she lived all her life. She passed away peacefully at Comfort House in McAllen on Monday, October 31, 2022. She was the daughter of Pablo+ and Manuela Vasquez Espinoza+. She is preceded in death by a grandson Juan Martin Garza, Jr., a son Juan Martin Garza, Sr. and a husband Manuel Garza, Sr.

Elida lived a life of service to others. She served her 8 children with a mother’s heart always depending on God to see her through many difficult as well as good times. She, along with her husband, Manuel sent their children to a Christian school with great sacrifice. She volunteered many hours at the school and cafeteria. At home, served her family tirelessly and even immigrants passing by the house would partake of her tacos. She welcomed her children’s friends when they needed a place to stay. She never turned anybody away.

She worked for PSJA ISD for 33 years as a cafeteria worker and later as a manager. She served at whatever school she was assigned to with a ready spirit. She became a beacon of hope for many employees as they would rally with her to fight for basic rights and pay as cafeteria workers, maintenance employees, and bus drivers. She would attend school board meetings as president of the union she helped establish. She was always on call to help politicians with their races by making calls, knocking on doors, cooking food for rallies, etc. She was a very generous person with her time, resources, and talents. Elida also found time to serve the juveniles in the community who needed a mentor through the JJCC Volunteer Program. She worked with these juveniles for over seven years. Many children in the schools would call her “grandma”. She was an advocate for the downtrodden and a fighter against injustices.

Once retired, she was still on call for many who needed her assistance through a word of encouragement, prayer, monetary assistance, or just a shoulder to cry on. Elida enjoyed playing Bingo with her friends and watching the sport of wrestling with whoever sat with her. She also enjoyed watching her favorite NFL team the Dallas Cowboys.

Elida leaves behind seven children Ernestina G. Calderon, Rosy G. (Rodrigo) Martinez, Estela G. (Mariano) Bocanegra, Gracie G. (Adam) Soto, Manuel (Nora) Garza, Jr., Elena G. (Luis+) Salinas, Luis (Belinda) Useda, 21 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, three sisters Teresa Martinez, Maria Espinoza, and Lupe Perez,

Matt. 25:35-36 35. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited me in, 36. I needed clothes and you clothe me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. (NIV)

We want to thank the very caring and attentive staff of the Comfort House for the care they gave our mother during her stay there. God’s Spirit is in that place. Blessings from all of us. Thank you.

A visitation for Elida will be held Sunday, November 6, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM and a rosary at 7:00 PM, at Funeraria Del Angel Palm Valley, Pharr, TX. A Chapel Service will occur Monday, November 7, 2022 at 10:00 AM, at Funeraria Del Angel in Pharr, and a burial to follow at 11:00 AM at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens, Pharr, TX.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmvalleyfh.com for the Useda family.