Maria Cruz Mora entered the gates of heaven on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at the age of 82. She was born in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon on May 2, 1942 to two loving parents Eusebio and Cruz Castilleja. Maria Cruz, along with her parents and six siblings migrated to Texas in the mid 1950's. Her strong work ethic was instilled at an early age as every summer the family traveled to Wisconsin and picked cucumbers, cotton and other vegetables. Maria Cruz graduated from Edgewood High School in 1962. She loved traveling with her sisters at a young age. At the age of 25 she met David Agustin Mora. They later married and had 3 children (Rene, Laura, and Arturo). She worked as a receptionist and bookkeeper for medical offices. She was well remembered in the community for working most of her life with Dr. Edmundo Rague until he retired. She was a devout Catholic and parishioner of Christ the King Church. The love for her family is beyond imaginable. A mom who was always there to listen, give advice, and a shoulder to cry on. Her beautiful smile stood out, as many who knew her would compliment. Her grandchildren never felt unloved as she showered them with hugs, kisses and plenty of pan dulce. Her grace and unconditional love will live through us forever. She is preceded in death by her husband, David Agustin, her parents Eusebio and Cruz Castilleja, and her sister Elvira Castilleja. She is survived by her children Rene Jose Mora (Christina), Rafael Arturo Mora (Danelle), Laura Mora Robledo (decd. Joe Robledo) and her stepson Agustín Mora. She had 9 grandchildren Rene Edward Mora, Alejandro Cristian Jaramillo Mora, Nicolas Andres Jaramillo Mora, Lauren Jae Silva (David), Jose Miguel Robledo, Joaquin Tristan Robledo, Lilliana Jo Robledo, Valentina Yevette Mora, and Sébastian Arturo Mora. 3 step grandchildren Jonathon Cerna, Carisa Lurate, and Abcde Villarreal. 5 great grand children Madalyn Rae Mora, Lola Dakota Jaramillo Mora, Olivia Lorena Silva, Andrew Joe Silva, and Davina Jolene Silva. Her siblings Margaret Garza (decd Emerey), Ben Castilleja (Martha), Joe Castilleja, Maria Morfin, and Idalia Escobar (Henry) as well as many numerous nieces and nephews.

"To know even one life breathed easier because she lived is to know she truly succeeded while here. A mother holds her children's hands for a while, their hearts forever".

"I have an angel watching over me. She is my mom. To my mother in heaven, thank you for always loving me and guiding me. Even though you are no longer here with me I can still feel your love guiding me. You are always in my heart. I love you and miss you dearly. Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into infinity".

Love,
Rene, Laura, & Art

The family will receive guests at Castillo Funeral Home on Monday, June 24, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm for visitation and at 6:00 pm for a Rosary Service.

A funeral mass will be conducted at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 10:00 am. All services conclude following the mass.