Maria "Mary" Tanguma, beloved mother and compassionate soul, passed away on June 11, 2023, at the age of 86 in Houston, TX. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness that will forever be cherished by those whose lives she touched.

Born on November 21, 1936, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Mary was the daughter of Timoteo Rodriguez and Silvestra Acosta. She was instilled with strong values of compassion, hard work, and devotion to family.

Mary's life went in a new direction when she met her husband, Gilberto Tanguma, an army veteran.  Gilberto was a selfless provider who helped Mary in many ways. Sadly, Mary was widowed when Gilberto passed away, but she carried his memory in her heart throughout her life.

Mary's dedication to serving others extended beyond her family. For many years, she worked as a CCISD cafeteria worker at Mirabeau B. Lamar Elementary, where she became known for her nurturing nature and unwavering commitment to the students. She tirelessly looked out for the neediest of the students, ensuring they had enough to eat and offering them comfort during challenging times. Mary's compassion and kindness left an indelible mark on the lives of countless children and their families.

Mary was an active parishioner at St. Joseph's Catholic Church where she was a source of encouragement for her family and friends to be actively involved and pursuing the sacraments of the church.

In addition to her role as a devoted mother and cafeteria worker, Mary found immense joy in her seven children: Angela Gutierrez, Elizabeth Gomez, Ernest Eschochea, Henry Escochea, Jr., Cynthia (Gilbert) Espinosa, Michele Tanguma, and John Anthony (Mike Culak) Cuevas. Two of Mary's most remarkable acts of love were helping raise her stepson, Gilberto Tanguma, Jr. (deceased), and her granddaughter, Erica Tamayo, like her own children. She loved each of them unconditionally and took great pride in their accomplishments. Mary's children were her greatest source of happiness, and her love for them knew no bounds. She is survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives, and many friends of the family.

Mary will be remembered for her radiant smile, nurturing spirit, selfless soul, love for dance, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. She leaves behind a profound legacy of compassion and selflessness that will continue to inspire all those who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to attend and pay their final respects. Though Mary's physical presence is  no longer with us, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of her loved ones. May she rest in eternal peace in Heaven and find solace in the warm embrace of her beloved Gilberto.

We would love for those who knew her to remember her life with us at Guardian Funeral Home Chapel "A". Visitation for the public will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023 , followed by a Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m.

The funeral procession will depart Guardian Funeral Home on Saturday, June 17, 2023 , at 9:30 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. funeral mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park Cemetery located at 2731 Comanche Street.

Family and friends are invited to attend and pay their final respects. Though Mary's physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of her loved ones. May she rest in eternal peace in Heaven and find solace in the warm embrace of her beloved Gilberto.

Pallbearers will be Carlos Gomez, Jr., David Gomez, Mario Gonzalez, Camilo Patino, Jesse Salinas, Jr., Jacob Escochea, Gustavo Gutierrez, Jr.