Maria V. Lerma

Maria V. Lerma, 101, of Harlingen, Texas, entered into eternal rest on January 20, 2025. She was born on July 1, 1923, in San Nicolás, Nuevo León, Mexico, to Ladislado Vallejo and Victoria Rodriguez. Maria's life was a remarkable journey of selflessness, resilience, and advocacy. At the young age of six, she left school after just 2 weeks in first grade to help her parents care for her siblings, a decision that shaped her enduring dedication to family. Her legacy includes her tireless efforts to help her brothers and sisters become U.S. citizens, reflecting her passion for immigration advocacy and her unwavering commitment to her loved ones. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jose A. Lerma; three sons, Israel Cabrera, Adan Cabrera, and Felipe Cabrera; and five siblings, Benita, Josefa, Paula, Juan, Jose, Lazaro and Higinio. Maria leaves behind a cherished legacy in her children, Victoria Tristan (Diego), Ricardo Cabrera, and Oralia Guinn (John); 15 grandchildren, Leticia, Lisa, Corina, Christina, Phillip, Gabriel, Diego Jr., David, Daniel, Michael, Ricardo Jr., Donivan, Ida, Beatrice, and Emory; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Her impact on their lives is immeasurable, and her dedication to family will live on through them. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Rudy Garza Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025. The procession will depart Rudy Garza Funeral Home at 1:00 PM for a 1:30 PM funeral service at Beraca Worship Center, located at 16937 Mayfield Rd. in Harlingen. Interment will follow at Ashland Memorial Park Cemetery in Harlingen. Honored to serve as pallbearers, Emory Guinn, John Guinn, David Tristan, Danny Tristan, Diego Tristan Jr. and Abiel Tristan. Maria will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, a fierce advocate for her family, and a compassionate voice for those seeking a better life. Her strength, sacrifices, and love will forever be etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed but her legacy will endure.