Emma Cabaza Guerrero
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Emma Cabaza Guerrero, 91, passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2021, at her home. Emma was born to Rafael Raul and Maria S. Cabaza on December 12, 1929. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Oton "Tony" Guerrero, Jr., brother Rafael Raul Cabaza, Jr., and granddaughter, Monica Marie Villarreal. Emma graduated from Incarnate Ward College, where she received a degree in Home Economics.
Emma C. Guerrero was born in San Benito, Tx., and raised in Weslaco where her parents, Raul and Maria Cabaza, had a Dry Goods Store (R. R. Cabaza Dry Goods). She attended and graduated from Incarnate Ward High School and College in San Antonio, Tx. After Emma graduated from high school, she returned home and attended Edinburg Junior College for two years. That is where she met the love of her life, Oton "Tony" Guerrero, Jr. After Tony and Emma received their Associate Degrees, they separated to continue their education. She returned to Incarnate Ward College for her last two years, and Tony left for Texas A & M, to fulfill his Golf Scholarship and education.
Following their graduation from college, Emma and Tony were married on June 1st, and have shared sixty-nine years of marriage. They were the proud parents of six children, Yolanda G. Villarreal, Oton Joaquin "Tony" Guerrero, Sonya G. Garza, Dora G. Espinoza, Sara G. Garza, Dolores G. Reyna, for which they have been blessed with 13 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild.
For the first 10 years of her career in education, Emma was an English and General Science teacher with the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District. She left the classroom to become the District's visiting teacher, where she visited and discussed with families the importance of continued education in their homes. During her last two years with E.C.I.S.D., Emma returned to the classroom to teach Home Economics at Edinburg High School.
Emma and Tony moved to Mission, where they have lived for 55 years. Emma retired as the head of the Home Economics department at Mission High School after 36 years of service. During her retirement years, Emma kept books for the business, (U.S. Postal Contractors). She was an active member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, Damas Catolicas, and the Catholic Daughters of America. Emma was a member of the Pan American Round Table-Edinburg, Grand Sultana for the Order of the Alhambra, El Cid Caravan No. 106, Serra Club, and of the Teacher Retired Teachers Association. Emma and Tony enjoyed their retirement years as they traveled with family and friends. They visited many states throughout the U.S., and countries of Mexico, Spain, Germany, Italy, South America, and China.
Emma Cabaza Guerrero is survived by their children Yolanda (Dr. Juan Antonio "Tony" Villarreal), Oton Joaquin "Tony" (Zelda) Guerrero, Sonya (Gilbert) Garza, Dora (Robert) Espinoza, Sara (Armando) Garza, Dolores (Ricardo) Reyna, grandchildren Denise Villarreal, Amanda (Michael) Salvo, Dr. Judith Guerrero, Emily Guerrero, Gilberto (Myra) Garza, Jr., Dr. Sarah (Eric) Wilkinson, Dr. David (Tran) Espinoza, Javier Garza, Joel Garza, Melissa Reyna, Sonya Reyna, Ricardo J. (Itzel) Reyna, Jr., great-grandchildren Krystin Garza, Karina Garza, Mia Garza, Luke Wilkinson, Emma Wilkinson, Remi Lynn Reyna, Ricky Jay Reyna, and Noah Espinoza, a great-great granddaughter Kayla Garza, and numerous nieces and nephews. Emma sincerely loved and touched each one of them deeply.
Emma leaves a legacy of countless students and teachers she inspired during her teaching career at Edinburg CISD and Mission CISD. Her inspiration throughout her life was, "A life not lived for others is not a life". Mother Teresa
Memorial Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be sent to Damas Catolicas, Frances Rivera, President, 1106 West Kika De la Garza, Mission, Tx. 78572 and/or Catholic Daughters, Rosa Lila Ledesma, 1111 Ann Marie, Mission, Tx. 78572
Visitation will be held today, Thursday, December 2, 2021, from 3-9 with a 7pm rosary at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. A funeral mass will be held tomorrow, Friday, December 3, 2021, at 11am, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Mission. Burial will follow at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.
Funeral Arrangements are under the care of Ric Brown Funeral Home, 621 E. Griffin Pkwy, Mission, Texas. 78574