Mary Esther Esparza

Mission, Texas — Maria Esther Esparza, age 85, a devoted mother, grandmother, and beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in McAllen, Texas, to Aristeo Cantú and Antonia (Lawrence) Riley, Maria lived a life defined by quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering resilience.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raul R. Esparza, with whom she built a beautiful life and raised five children who carry forward her enduring values of faith, hard work, and family.

She is lovingly survived by her five children and her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren:

Rick (Myrna) Esparza, children: Yvonne Esparza and the late Evelyn Esparza; grandchildren: Daniel, Karen (Rick), Sabrina, and Brenda; great-great-grandchildren: Draven and Caliyah.

Adrian (Elma) Esparza, children: Dr. Vivian (Taye) Stanfield, Cory (Anissa) Esparza, Jacklyn (Michael) Lopez, and Malachi Esparza; great-grandchildren: Scarlett, Elliot, and James Bronson.

Raul (Yvette) Esparza, children: Justin (Brenda) Esparza, Sabrina Esparza, and Vanessa (Anthony) Huembes; grandchild: Ryan.

Orlando (Teresa) Esparza, children: Jared, Kyle, Jason, and Jenna Esparza.

Lori Ann (Carlo) Garza, children: Alyssa, Ava, and Aiden Garza.

A woman of remarkable perseverance, Maria earned her bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Texas–Pan American. She began her professional life as a Licensed Vocational Nurse before dedicating over four decades alongside her husband to their family business, Esparza Pest Control, where her hard work and integrity became the foundation of its success.

She was a deeply giving woman whose life was a testament to love in action. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched—especially her grandchildren, of whom she was immensely proud. “They have all done beautifully,” she often said.

Though she endured much in her lifetime, she never allowed hardship to diminish her grace. Hers was a life of faith, purpose, and fierce devotion to family. Her strength and spirit live on in every generation that follows.

Click this link to view additional details about Mary Esther's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/mary-esparza