Maria Cortez

Maria Estela Cortez, 81, joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Christmas Day the 25th of December, 2020.

Estela was a light to anyone who met her. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her pride and joy were her children, Mike, Sandy, Rick and Tony; her much loved grandchildren, Tiffany Cortez-Machado, Michael Cortez II, Monica Cortez, Joey Cortez, and Amanda Cortez-Gamez; and her adored great-grandchildren, Maya Machado, Marcelo Machado, Liliana Cortez, Lucas Cortez, and her fifth and soon to be great-grandchild, Nicolas Dante Gamez, whom she was anxiously anticipating his birth. Her family was her life.

Estela had a special gift, whenever she entered a room it would light up. She shared that gift with the thousands of children she educated as a Teacher’s Assistant at UISD where she worked for over thirty devoted years. She helped shape young minds at Clark Elementary, United High School, and she ultimately retired from Alexander High School. Her dedication, exuberance, and radiant warmth will be fondly remembered by the children she taught, her colleagues, and her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jose Cantu and Maria Laurel Ruiz; as well as the love of her life, her husband, Hernan Rodolfo Cortez.

Left to cherish her memory are her four children and their families, Michael Cortez (Araceli), Sandra Cortez Elliott (Steve), Richard Cortez (Roxanne), Tony Cortez (Carolina).

Due to the current situation and with respect and for consideration of everyone’s safety as well as our own, we will be holding Private Services. You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Pallbearers will be: Rick Cortez, Tony Cortez, Michael Cortez II, Joey Cortez, Steve Elliott, and Oscar Gamez, Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Joe “Boy” Ruiz and Manuel “Meme” Ruiz.

The family would like to extend their most heartfelt gratitude to: Lourdes Rodriguez, Magda Garcia and Veronica Rodriguez.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.