Elida H. Hinojosa

MCALLEN – Elida H. Hinojosa, 95, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on September 25, 2023. Elida was born in 1928 in her family home in Relampago, Texas, the second of five children to Cipriano and Aída (Ríos) Hinojosa. She spent most of her youth growing up in Mercedes under the care of her aunts, Estéfana and Zoila Hinojosa, who fostered in Elida principles that would guide her throughout her life: the importance of education, fidelity to family, service to others, and the value of good old-fashioned common sense. After graduating from Mercedes High School, Elida attended Edinburg Junior College where she was reacquainted with a young and handsome Lito when she saw him step off of a city bus in his fresh white naval uniform. The two married and shared 62 wonderfully happy years. Together they raised their family of three girls, first in Mission and then later in McAllen where they both were devoted in their service to numerous church, school, and community organizations. Always a generous volunteer, Elida was especially proud of her service with the Catholic Daughters, her many Citrus Fiesta product-costume creations, and her Girl Scout troop. She was also quite the adventurer having traveled extensively across the United States and to twenty countries around the world with her many fun-loving comadres y compadres, many of whom were cherished friends for over 80 years. Elida was known to be nurturing, sharp as a whip, and devoted to her Catholic faith. She was the family genealogist and local historian with a knowledge that spanned generations. But above all things, Elida was so very wise. How grateful we are for the many lessons she taught us up until her final days. Elida was preceded in death by her husband, Lázaro “Lito” Hinojosa, Jr., whose sweet, adoring love gladdened Elida all her days, and siblings Mary Garcia, Manuel Hinojosa, and Irma Heckendorn, with whom she shared a remarkable devotion that serves as an extraordinary legacy to all the family. Surviving Elida are: daughters Anna B. Garcia and Clara Dina Hinojosa; daughter and son-in-law Elena and Jeff Brooks; grandchildren Debralee Rodriguez (Omar), Nicholas Brooks (Cela), and Clark Brooks; great-grandchildren Aden and Caleb Rodriguez; and her dear “baby brother” Abiel Hinojosa (Cecilia). Elida also leaves behind dozens of nieces and nephews for whom she felt tremendous affection. She deeply treasured the love they so generously gave her. The family would like to express the greatest gratitude to those who provided Elida with care and companionship in her final years: Adela Hernandez Romero, Alma De Leon, and Isabel Ruiz. Visitation will begin at 5 pm on Friday, September 29, at Kreidler Funeral Home in McAllen, with the recitation of the Rosary at 6:30 pm. The Holy Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 9 am on Saturday, September 30, at Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel in McAllen. Graveside burial will be attended by her immediate family at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Elida’s name to the Catholic Daughters’ scholarship fund for outstanding high school graduates. Contributions can be mailed to: Catholic Daughters of the Americas Queen of the Rosary Court #2368 at 2403 N 10th Street, Suite B, PMB 171 in McAllen, 78501.

Tributes

Elida H. Hinojosa

September 25, 2023