Mrs. Maria Elena Rios Mora, a loving spouse, mother, grandmother, and friend who lived in Corpus Christi, TX, for 54 years, passed away peacefully in her home on October 1, 2022, at 74. Maria was not alone in her courageous journey to God; she was comforted by her husband, Jesus Mora, of 58 years, children, family, and friends. She is preceded by her parents, Carolina and Fabian Eloy Rios, her brother, Fabian Jr., and her sister, Rachel Leal.

Maria Elena Mora was born on September 16, 1948, in Kingsville, Texas. Her parents were Carolina and Fabian Eloy Rios. She was the second oldest child of 7 raised in the household. Her siblings include Fabian Jr., Oscar, Rachel, Elias, Sally, and Cristella. Maria was known to be an amazing sister, friend, and caregiver to all her siblings from an early age until her death.

Maria attended H.M. King High school and during a dance is where she met her future husband. Once the two started to date, they never looked back. Maria and Jesus married on November 10, 1963, at San Martin Catholic Church in Kingsville, Texas. As they began their lives together, Jesus joined the Armed Forces, and they moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It was there when their amazing firstborn child (Jesus Jr.) arrived, and thus Maria's calling to motherhood began. She was renowned for being a parent to look up to as she continuously set the example of what a great mother does for her child. In 1968, Maria and Jesus moved their family to Corpus Christi, Texas, and have been living there for the past 54 years. There they raised five exceptional children. Maria demonstrated her devotion, commitment, caring, and passion as a mother countless times. She extended her love to their beautiful daughters-in-law (Joanna, Belia, Cynthia, and Jennifer) and son-in-law (Benito Espinoza).

Maria Mora took her calling as a mother and grandmother very seriously. She attended every football, baseball, band, softball, and basketball game her children were in. This continued dedication to her family vined to her grandchildren as she attended, cheered, and showcased her love to them for every event they were involved in. She took every opportunity to show the love she had for her family. No distance was too far for her to travel for her family.

Maria loved to travel with her husband and family, and she was fortunate enough to travel to Europe, where she saw places like Italy, Germany, Spain, France, and Monte Carlo. She was also able to go to the Caribbean and many stateside locations. But in her eyes, no place could compete with her being at home with her children, grandchildren, sisters, and extended family. Family was an essential aspect of her life.

Maria is survived by her husband, Jesus A. Mora; her children, Jesus Jr (Joanna), Debra (Benito), Randy (Belia), Daniel (Jennifer), and Isaac (Cynthia); her siblings, Oscar (Terry) Rios, Elias, Sally Lara, and Cristella; and by her 14 grandchildren, Jesse, Jessica, Jason, Danyella, Benjamin, Gabriella, Rico, Alyssa, Araceli, Jace, Xavier, Luke, Timothy, and Nelly.

Public Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at Guardian Funeral Home Chapel.
The Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 14, 2022 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Coastal Bend State Veterans cemetery.