Nellie Meza

Nellie Thatcher Meza, 91, entered into the loving arms of the heavenly Father on Friday, November 13, 2015 in Laredo, Texas. Nellie was born to George and Maria C. Thatcher in Zapata Viejo (now, Zapata, Texas), where she was raised and lived up until the early 1940's. In 1946, she met and married the love of her life, Jose Eloy Meza. They lived and settled in Laredo, Texas for the remainder of their earthly lives. To this marriage, God blessed them with six children. Nellie was a woman of strong and steadfast faith at her parish, San Vicente de Paul in South Laredo where she was a life-long and contributing member. Every day, she would pray for all of her children, both living and deceased, in addition to their families, friends, and acquaintances. There was always praise on her lips and she fulfilled her commitment to God through prayer. She leaves behind many cherished memories that will forever be held in the hearts and minds of her family and friends. Left to continue her legacy are her children: Jose H. (Lorenza) Meza, Carlos G. Meza, Juan Manuel (Nelda) Meza II, Maria Josefa (Roel) Perez, Consuelo M. (Rolando) Perez, and Ludivina (Eduardo Jr. "Wayo") Meza Cavazos. She is also survived by Frank Gutierrez, whom mother saw as a son and as well as her sister-in-law, Pura Lopez. Her legacy also continues through her grandchildren: George, Missy, Joanna, Hondo, Carlos, Olgita, Maricela, Ned, Emmanuel, Juan Andres, Hector, Emily, Diana, Liza, Lorena, Roy, Jesus, Jack, B.J., Selina Lynn, and Rolando Eloy; as well as by her 33 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other beloved relatives, and friends. Our family would like to give thanks to many special people in mom's life, especially her doctors: Dr. Carlos M. Llanes, whom our mother trusted and wholeheartedly cared for as more than her doctor, but her personal friend; Dr. Carlos Cigarroa, as well as the nurses, staff and physicians at Doctor's Hospital of Laredo, especially Armando Villarreal, RN, who was always there for mom beyond what his duties called for; Alma Espinoza, mom's hairdresser who always made her look gorgeous and to Tavo Rodriguez and his family for always offering a helping hand when mom needed it the most. We would also like to thank Rev. Wojciech Prystasz, Administrator of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for having administered the Anointing of the Sick and Last Rites as well as for celebrating the Mass of Christian Burial; in addition, we thank all the parish faithful who prayed for mom and our family during her final years. Mother always made friends wherever she went and in her passing into God's eternal life, we entrust one of our close friends who saw mom as more than a friend, Manuel de Jesus Osorio of Joe Jackson Funeral Chapels. Thank you for the kind words and for the time and compassion for mom and our family. The family will be receiving condolences on Monday, November 16, 2015 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez; a Rosary will be offered at 9:15 a.m. Procession will depart at 10:15 a.m. to San Vicente de Paul Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:30 a.m. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot in the Zapata County Cemetery on County Road 16 in Zapata, Texas. You may express your condolences and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, Texas 78040; (956)722-0001.