Maria G. Echavarria

It is with immense sorrow that we announce Maria Guadalupe Echavarria entered into eternal
rest on Friday March 17, 2023, at the age of 75, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in
Matamoros, Tamaulipas, on June 10, 1947, and raised in Brownsville, Texas, where she later
graduated from Brownsville High School in 1966. Maria met the love of her life, Austencio
Echavarria in 1968 and had two daughters. She devoted 20 years of employment and retired
from the Cameron County Adult Probation Department, then devoted another 20 years working
with the Brownsville Independent School District, where she later retired in 2012. Maria was a
one-of-a-kind daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, whose love and soul touched all
those she encountered. Maria's family was her life, and her grandchildren were her pride and joy.
She always supported them in all their academic successes, never missing an event. Her favorite
past times included sewing, dancing, fishing, playing bingo, taking many photos & videos, arts
& crafts, and watching her favorite novelas con un cafecito. Maria was small, but her strength
could move mountains. During the time of her sickness, she put up a hard fight until the very
end. Although we are saddened by her passing, we are blessed to have been loved by her and
know she left us with beautiful memories that we will cherish forever.
Maria is preceded in death by her mother, Maria De la Paz Salinas†, father, Eluterio Alvarado†
and daughter, Cynthia Echavarria-Cepeda†
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Austencio Echavarria, daughter, Maggie (Gilbert)
Sauceda, grandchildren, Matthew Justin Torres, Stephanie Renee Sauceda, and Nicole Renee
Cepeda.
Visitation will be held at Garza Memorial Funeral Home on Wednesday March 22, 2023 from
2pm-4pm for immediate family and 4pm-9pm for the general public with a rosary
service at 7pm. A continuation of the viewing will begin at 8am on Thursday March 23, 2023
with a chapel service at 12pm-12:40pm. An interment is to follow at 1pm at Buena Vista
Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Gilbert Sauceda, Matthew Justin Torres, Ernesto Echavarria, Esteban Echavarria,
Ricco Zuniga, and Richard Lerma

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