Maria Barrera B. Gallagher

Maria de los Angeles Barrera Gallagher, 72, entered into eternal rest on

Wednesday, November 10, 2010, in San Antonio. The sixth of seven children, she

was born December 22, 1937, in Rio Grande City, Texas to the late Liberato and

Encarnacion "Lilie" Barrera. She graduated from Rio Grande City High School and

earned her bachelor's degree in education from Pan American College. She taught

physical education at Sam Houston Elementary and Lamar Elementary in Edinburg,

Texas. She married her prince John J. Gallagher, Jr., of Philadelphia on her

birthday in 1973.

After their wedding, Maria started her new life with John in San Antonio, where

he was stationed at Randolph AFB for the duration of his career. For nearly two

decades, Maria taught physical education at Park Village Elementary in Judson

ISD. Many of her students trusted her for her commitment to them and her

understanding and wise counsel.

Throughout her life, her family and especially their daughter Marilynn, was most

important to her. Maria always supported Marilynn in her endeavors, from piano,

ballet, and flute lessons, to softball and tennis; and she served as a chaperone

for the Judson High School Mighty Rocket Band and the San Antonio All-City

Marching Band. Friends and family understood the close bond between mom and

daughter and were always impressed that Maria and Marilynn could communicate

with just a look.

Maria's Catholic faith guided her constantly, and Christ called her to active

service within His church. She was a charter member of both the Our Lady of

Mercy of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas in Rio Grande City and, more

recently, the Our Lady of Peace chapter in Converse. She was Vice Regent of the

latter for seven years, and Regent for three. At St. Monica's Catholic Church

in Converse, Maria also served terms on the Pastoral Council and the Liturgy

Committee. In her everyday life, she had a rare gift for sensing people's needs

and showing compassion.

Maria's time at the family ranch during her childhood shaped her love for

animals and the outdoors. Through the years, she enjoyed the company of her pet

turtles and dogs. As a young woman, Maria was crowned Miss Starr County and

Miss Cantaloupe and was elected class princess for several years. She also

loved playing and watching sports and was a loyal fan of the Spurs. Her duty to

her community led her to serve as an Election Judge for Bexar County for many

years. In all of her endeavors, Maria was guided by a strong sense of morality

but at the same time often acted with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. She

embodied the spirit of a Texas lady, fearless and daring but always proper.

Maria is preceded in death by her parents and brothers Jose Mario, Liberato H.,

and Felipe L. Barrera. She is survived by her devoted husband John and daughter

Marilynn, three sisters, Ana Maria (Derly) Ramirez of Rio Grande City, Guadalupe

"Lupita" (Emanuel) Valenciano of Houston, and Lilia Aurora (Dr. Vergel V.) Cruz

of Houston; nephews, David Valenciano of Houston, Dr. Daniel (Dr. Amy)

Valenciano of Flower Mound, and Vergel B. Cruz of Houston; nieces, Yvette Margot

Valenciano of Houston, and Marisa Cruz (Gavin) Hurd of Houston.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday, November 16, 2010, with a 7 p.m. rosary

at Colonial Funeral Home in Universal City. The funeral Mass will be Wednesday,

November 17, 2010, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Monica's Catholic Church in Converse.

Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.