Rebeca Guerra

Lifetime Laredoan Rebeca Josefina "Josie" Flores Guerra, 74, passed away peacefully at her home Tuesday, April 30, 2013, surrounded by her loving family.

The generous beloved matriarch, a friend to many, will be missed by those whose lives she blessed in her private sphere as well as those she touches in her far-reach as a civic volunteer and an inspiring community leader.

She was a parishioner of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and of the church of her childhood and her marriage, Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, which she affectionately called her "mother" church.

She was educated by the Ursuline sisters and graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1956.

Josie believed resolutely in the power or prayer, and that love and times invested in worthy causes were instruments of changes in her community. With her husband Joe, she instilled in each of her children an abiding ethic to strive to make Laredo a better place.

She leaves behind an immense legacy of love to her children and grandchildren, who will long remember her principled practicality, kindness, support, and wisdom.-Her home on Fenwick Drive, an energized monument to her devotion to family, resounded with unforgettable birthday and holiday celebrations, music, good cheer, and praise for the delicious meals she prepared. She learned to play to piano as a child and for all her life enjoyed having her family gathered around her holidays to sing.

Staunch Republicans, Josie and Joe made the Fourth of July an annual backyard event the celebrated patriotism and the American Constitution. Josie's civic affiliations were numerous and her accolades many- both rested on her selfless drive to serve others. As much as the arc of her community service followed the education of her children as a PTA member, officer, fundraiser, and advisory board member, it also followed the needs of the disenfranchised members of the community and her conviction to act on those needs.

She was a 30 year member of the Women's City Club and served as its president twice. A member of the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra and president of its' board in 1994, she was one of the organization's Gala honored in 2004.

She was a former member of the board of the Laredo Webb County Food Bank, and in 1996 she was accorded the prestigious Liberty Bell Award by the Laredo Webb County Bar Association and the Laredo Young Lawyers.

She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of American Court Mary Magdalene #1989, serving-as regent for two years. She was also a member of the Society of Martha Washington.

As a right to life proponent, she was one of the founders of Casa La Esperanza in 1996, always rallying for the plight of the unborn. She served as president of the crisis pregnancy center until the time of her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfredo R. and Rebeca Flores; and her loving husband of 49 years, Jose A. Guerra.

She is survived by her children, Joe A. Guerra Jr., Rebecca (Michael) Doyle, Dr. Maya (Fernando Zuniga, Alfonso (Amanda) Guerra, Alfredo (Tamara) Guerra, Carlos Guerra, Monica (Robert) Jones, Maria Eugenia "Eugie" Guerra; eleven grandchildren, Nicholas Andrew Coussoulis, Peter Evan Coussoulis, Andria Josefina Zuniga, Analise Fernanda Zuniga, Abigail Hailee Guerra, Andrew Thomas Guerra, Kristian Alfredo Guerra, Paola Gabriela Guerra, Marcela Louise Guerra, Braden Alan Jones, and Trent Alan Jones. She is also survived by he siblings, Sara F. Chavarria, Magdalena Flores Alexander, Alfredo Flores Jr.; and her dear cousins, Raquel Senties and Olga Herr.

The family offers a heartfelt thanks to Drs. Carlos Cigarroa, Joaquin Cigarroa, and Leo Cigarroa; as well as to Laredo Home Health and Hospice, especially on of their nurses, Amanda Pena.