Viola Maria Dierlam

Viola Maria Dierlam, 78, of Edinburg, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of those whose lives she touched. Viola was born on July 20, 1948, in Edinburg, Texas, to the late Octavio and Maria Ponce. She was raised in Edinburg, where she attended Edinburg High School and graduated in May 1967. Her love of art and creativity led her to Pan American College, where she earned her degree in Art. Viola began her professional career with the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District, where she devoted herself to educating and inspiring young people as an art teacher. Teaching was more than a career for Viola—it was an opportunity to share her creativity, encourage her students, and leave a lasting impression on the lives of those she taught. Her passion for art and education remained an important part of who she was throughout her life. Viola was also a talented and imaginative artist whose creativity brought her recognition beyond her hometown. On May 9, 1994, she was recognized by Texas Governor Ann Richards for her artistic creation of “Anna La Tejana,” a Longhorn cow constructed from papier-mâché. This accomplishment reflected Viola’s remarkable creativity, talent, and love for Texas. Above all else, Viola was a devoted mother. Her greatest pride and joy was her son, Jeremiah Beau Dallas Dierlam. She was endlessly proud of him and never missed an opportunity to tell others about her son and the pride she had in him. Her love for Beau was unwavering and was one of the greatest joys of her life. Viola will be remembered for her artistic spirit, her dedication to her students, her love of family, and especially for the immense love and pride she carried in her heart for her son. She leaves behind a legacy not only through her artwork and the students she inspired, but through the countless memories she created with the people fortunate enough to know and love her. Viola is survived by her beloved son, Jeremiah Beau Dallas Dierlam; her sister, Diana Hinojosa; her brother-in-law, Ruben Edward Hinojosa; and her three nieces, Diana Arlene Ponce, Leanne Marie Hinojosa, and Myranda Elizabeth Hinojosa. She was preceded in death by her parents, Octavio and Maria Ponce, brother Omar Ponce and by those loved ones who went before her. Though Viola is no longer with us, her memory will live on through her family, her students, her artwork, and all those whose lives she touched. Her creativity, kindness, and love will remain a lasting part of the legacy she leaves behind. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, August 25th 2026 between the hours of 9:30am and 12:30pm at Kreidler Funeral Home in McAllen. Funeral Mass will immeditately follow at 1:00pm at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen. Rest peacefully, Mom. Your love, your art, and the pride you carried in your heart will never be forgotten. You will always be loved, always be missed, and forever be a part of me.