Andrea Longoria

Longoria, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 30, 2021 at the age of 74. Andrea

was born January 2, 1947 to Pedro and Guadalupe Yruegaz in Pawnee, Texas. She was

the sixth of nine children and grew up in Agua Dulce, Texas. Andrea attended Agua

Dulce High School, Texas A&I University-Kingsville, and the

University of Houston. Andrea received a Bachelor of Science in Education and a

Master of Science to achieve her goal of becoming a licensed professional counselor.

She worked in education for over 40 years in both Houston and Pasadena

Independent School Districts. She was a teacher and school counselor and touched

thousands of lives. What she loved the most about her job was helping to improve the

lives of students, both academically and their overall well-being. She advocated tirelessly for

her students. Andrea retired in 2011 from Dobie High School in Pasadena ISD.

Andrea was preceded in death by her parents and nephews, Mark Garza and Craig Orr; mother-in-law Francis Longoria and father-in-law Pedro Longoria.

Andrea is survived by her husband of 51 loving years, Jesse;

daughters Amy Waltz (Brett), Tina Dvorak (Brent) and Jessica Sellers (Justin);

grandchildren Isabella Waltz, Jacob Waltz, Julia Waltz, Mia Dvorak, Dylan Dvorak, Luke

Dvorak, Andie Sellers, Barrett Sellers, and Sam Sellers; sisters Lily Yruegaz, Louisa Diaz

(David, deceased), Josie Lazo (Mauro), Rufina Garza (Raul, deceased), Janie Cruz-

Blackwood (Mark); brothers Cheo Yruegaz (Pauline) and Pete Yruegaz (Jackie); sisters-in-law Matilda Reyes, Patsy Chavarria (Benny, deceased) and Lucy Longoria (Pete, deceased); along

with numerous nieces and nephews who cherished their beloved “Aunt Andy.”

Andrea and Jesse moved to the Sagemont area in 1973. They were founding members

of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church. They lived and raised their daughters there

for almost 30 years. Andrea and Jesse retired to Pearland, Texas where they

lived near their children and grandchildren for over 20 years. Together,

they were avid Astros fans and enjoyed attending games with their family and friends,

attending World Series games in 2017 and 2019.

Andrea was fiercely devoted to the Catholic Church and her family. She leaned on her

faith when facing life challenges. She never hesitated to share her beliefs with others,

when they were facing struggles. She had a prayer altar in her room where she knelt

and prayed for specific intentions. She took daily walks along the same route and

recited the rosary each time, imploring Mother Mary to pray for us. She served many

roles and belonged to many ministries at St. Luke’s including Children’s Faith Formation,

teacher for Adult Faith Formation classes, ACTS Ministries, Catholic Daughters,

Eucharistic Apostles of the Divine Mercy, grief group counselor, and bible study small

group leader. She also volunteered with her children and grandchildren. Her numerous

positions included helping at their schools and on the booster clubs of their various

activities. She prepared and served meals at The Bridge Over Troubled Waters. Andrea was also a member and leader with Al-Anon.

In retirement, Andrea continued to enrich lives through time spent with her family. She

enjoyed traveling and visiting with her siblings. She was very close to her siblings.

They enjoyed traveling, cooking and planning large family gatherings. She was the

matriarch of the family, the pillar of strength, and the calm in the storm. She humbly

honored each of her family members serving them in various ways. She was the

babysitter, chef, housekeeper, individual and family therapist, personal shopper,

chauffeur, and the biggest cheerleader. She instinctively knew when and where she

was needed the most. Most importantly, she hovered over each of her loved ones in

spirit, praying daily for them. She somehow managed to give individual attention to

each of her nine grandchildren. She attended special church services, many school

performances, baseball, soccer, and basketball games, cross country runs, swim

meets, choir concerts, dancing competitions, and recitals, theatre shows and

countless other events.

To her husband, Jesse, she was everything. She cared for him and kept him safe. She

scheduled appointments, managed the calendar, and followed through. They loved

watching sports together. They loved the Astros, Coogs, Aggies, the former Houston

Oilers, Texans, and most recently, the Longhorns, in support of their oldest

granddaughter. She knew all the rules about sports and often could be heard yelling at

the television, discussing games and players with her sons-in-law and siblings.

Andrea enjoyed accompanying Jesse on the golf course, walking alongside Jesse’s golf

cart, Senior Day at the movie theatre, and dancing at any opportunity. Their love was

steadfast and Andrea will continue to shine through Jesse.

A visitation and Rosary for Andrea will be held Monday, May 10, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to

8:00 p.m. at St. Helen Catholic Church in Pearland, Texas. A funeral mass will occur

Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Helen Catholic Church in Pearland, Texas. A

committal service will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery, in Webster, Texas. A

reception will follow at The Knights of Columbus Hall, 2320 Hatfield Road, Pearland,

Texas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at below for the Longoria family.