Paula Fuentes

April 15, 2018

Paula Fuentes died peacefully in her sleep at her home on Sunday, April 15, 2018. She was born on March 2, 1922 in McAllen, Texas to Alfonso and Lina(Martinez) DelaGarza. She was preceded in death by her parents, 5 brothers Victor, Rafael, Roberto, Rodolfo and Alfonso, Jr., her husband Ricardo, son Oscar and daughter-in-law Jeannette. She is survived by her sister, Alicia Salinas and her children Dr. Richard (Mary) Fuentes of Midland Michigan, Roy (Edna) Fuentes of Edinburg, Texas, Dr. Jose Fuentes of Dallas, Texas, Rosemary Fuentes of San Antonio, Texas, Ana Fuentes of Grand Prairie, Texas, Javier (Jeanne) Fuentes of Mission, Texas, Criselda Castillo of McAllen, Texas and Cristina (Ernesto) Garcia of La Feria, Texas. 13 Grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Paula grew up in McAllen, Texas and loved sewing dresses for her friend’s dolls. She said that growing up she had to make one dozen tortillas for each of her 5 brothers and their lunch before she walked to Lamar High School. She was an excellent seamstress and made her own dresses. She Graduated from McAllen High School and worked for JC Penney for 4 years before she married Ricardo. Paula was a member of the Sacred Heart Accion Catolica and an active member of PTA at Sam Houston School. After Ricardo passed away, she worked at a Bridal Shop sewing wedding dresses. Then she got her dream job, being a substitute teacher. She worked as a substitute teacher at McAllen ISD for many years. Special thanks to Roberto Martinez who spent time coaching Mom on substituting. She was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph the worker. Paula was a devoted mother, cook, seamstress, taxi driver, laundry specialist, and expert homemaker. She made the best apple pies, tamales and made quilts for each of her children. She will be greatly missed. She passed away in the morning so she would be ready to go to the Baile Grande in Heaven. At the end of the day, she lived life for us and her grandchildren. In many ways she was a Lioness! Special thanks to the care givers that took care of Mom and Palimed Hospice for all their special services. Visitation will be held at Kreidler Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 18 from 12:00pm -7:00pm followed by Rosary. Funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph the Worker Church in McAllen at 10:00am on Thursday, April 19. Burial will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen.