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Obituary (TX): Mrs. Maria (Jesus B. Tupaz '60)

Posted on 03/19/2018

Maria E. Tupaz, age 80, entered into peaceful eternal rest on March 12, 2018 in Houston, Texas. She was born January 3, 1938 in San Salvador, El Salvador to the late Maria E. & Jose E. Avelar. She is also preceded in death by five brothers: Francisco, Adolfo, Jose Antonio, Juan Arnulfo, and Jose Narciso. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jesus B. Tupaz; sons, Jesse David Tupaz, his wife Gerry, Paul Andrew Tupaz, his wife Esther; five grandchildren: Joseph, Alexander, John-Paul, Dominic, and Anjelica; sister: Maria Genoveva Valle, her husband Humberto, and brothers: Jose Ricardo Avelar, his wife Yolanda, Adalberto Avelar, and many nieces and nephews.

She is remembered as a good Christian woman who had a strong Faith in God. Such a Faith guided and help direct her life. This was continually evident as to how she related to her family, especially her immediate family, and all who she met and encountered in life. As a result, she loved unconditionally and was continually concerned for the well being of others: particularly her immediate family - grandchildren. She was a great Navy wife who continually supported her husband in his 31-year career in the US Navy. As a Commanding Officer's wife, she spearheaded various Navy Wives' Programs that supported the poor and especially the poor children of her local communities where her husband had been assigned.

She was a gourmet cook; she would treat her family and all those who shared her table with unforgettable and mouth watering international dishes and meals - just ask her grandchildren who loved especially her Salvadorian style pupusas, rice and beans. She made her home a veritable and comfortable welcoming refuge for all those who entered into her house. She had a special knack in perceiving the suffering spiritual and mental needs of others, and she would provide quietly and confidentially invaluable, respectful, and spiritual advice to such good people if they so desired. A good example of this virtue was in the hospital environment. Because of her illness, she had many visits to the hospital. Thus, she encountered many hospital nurses and aides in these visits. Evidently she helped many of these good people, for there were quite a few of them who would personally come to her room at a later time and thank her for what she had done for them. Clearly she was the hospital patient, but through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, she was able to help such people in their suffering. She exemplified the fundamental teachings and guidance of the Holy Scriptures.

Maria also had another talent. She loved oil painting and all sorts of handicrafts including ceramics and sewing. Our home is blessed with many of her creations. It must also be mentioned, Maria had a keen sense of humor. Her joke telling in Spanish were unforgettable classics. She had the perfect gestures for appropriate parts of her 'joke-telling' keeping her audience in stitches.

She loved to travel as well. With her husband, she visited much of Europe, Latin America, the Far East, Asia, and Alaska. She especially relished her visits to four Marian shrines: Guadalupe [Mexico], Fatima [Portugal], Lourdes [France], and Czestochowa [Poland].

Finally, in the last three years of life, she suffered an aggressive cancer that started in her stomach. As a strong believer in Christ, she accepted her cross without ever complaining and continually prayed for others especially for the lost souls and all her Prayer Warriors who prayed for her during her illness. She was a wonderful example for others: her family and especially her grandchildren, nephews and nieces; including, parishioners of our Church, and all others who knew or had encountered her in life. She was as great influencing example to her husband as well, for she led him to hospital ministry by her example in visiting the sick, and helped and supported him to become more involved in the Church's work. Maria was truly an exemplar of the Gospels.

The family will receive friends Thursday, March 22, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079 (281) 497-2210.

A Rosary will be recited this Thursday evening at 7:00 pm.

The Funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 23, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church, 5356 11th Street, Katy, Texas 77493 (281) 391-4758. A light reception will immediately follow.

A Committal Service will be held later at 2:00 pm at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, 13102 N. Freeway, Houston, Texas 77060 (281) 443-0063.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Maria’s memory with a donation to Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN 5817 Old Leeds Road Irondale, AL 35210; https://donations.ewtn.com/p-1-support-ewtn.aspx) or by giving a blood donation to cancer patients in her memory.

Please visit www.memorialoaksfunerals.com to leave the family a message of comfort.

Memorial Oaks Funeral Home
13001 Katy Fwy
Houston, TX 77079
281-497-2210