With profound sadness we announce the passing of Francisca T. Cortez, our loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all whose lives she touched, on January 9th, 2020.

She left us peacefully at her residence in Castroville, TX due to complications of various ailments. She was in her 65th year.
Born March 29, 1954 in San Antonio, TX to Alfonso Tobias and Anita Tobias. She married her neighborhood friend and long-time love David Cortez in August 1973 giving them a glorious 46 years together.

"Frances" known by most and "Mrs. Cortez" known by her school community, volunteered for the Northside Independent School District in the 1980's teaching arts and crafts to adults. She also volunteered for many years at Cable Elementary School, San Antonio, where her children attended school. While she enjoyed being a stay at home mom and designing creative arts and crafts, she leaped into a career starting with custodial duties at Cable Elementary. After several years in this position she fulfilled her goal to teach young children and accepted her long-term career as a Computer Technology Teacher's Assistant at The J.B. Passmore Elementary School, San Antonio, where she eventually retired in 2015 after 31 successful years of service with the Northside ISD. Those she worked with at J. B. Passmore loved her as well. During her time teaching she picked up a phrase that would eventually become her family's slogan. "All set?" in which everyone would reply, "You bet!!"

Frances was a loving, nurturing, and dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as a Grandmother. In her retirement years, she would attend their school functions and visit them during their lunchtime. She couldn't wait to see their reactions as she surprised them walking into their classrooms or a nearby restaurant. She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh. She made friends everywhere she went, enjoyed good food, socializing, parties, collecting nutcrackers, weaving yarn on plastic canvas, gardening, and most importantly spending time with family and friends. She cherished every precious moment. Some of her favorites were working on puzzles, taking pictures, popcorn, wearing items with animal prints, and dressing up in a festive out of this world way both on and off school campus. The more bling the better she would always say. She was a brave and strong woman who had had a heart of gold and a wonderful smile that could light up the room.

Frances will be sorely missed and is survived by her brothers Alfonso Tobias Jr, Adolfo Tobias, Raymond Tobias wife Norma Tobias; Sisters MaryAnn Valderas and Irene Andry; husband David Cortez; daughters JoAnn Cortez and Melissa Cortez husband Fidencio Mendez; son and wife Adan Cortez and Bengina Betancud; 11 grandchildren, Anthony Hinojoza, Jennifer Aragon, David Hinojoza, Andre Ruth, Devon Ramos, Kristopher Cortez, Joe Enriquez, Absidy Cortez, Julius Mendez, Sergio Mendez, Isabella Mendez; plus 11 great grandchildren and her many nephews and nieces. All of these she loved and touched deeply. A Celebration of Frances Life will be held at The Castillo Mission Funeral Home 520 N. General McMullen Dr. San Antonio TX on Monday, January 20th, 2020, beginning at 2 p.m.