Manuela R. Cervantes

Absent from the body, present with the Lord. On Friday morning March 1, 2024, Manuela Cervantes passed away peacefully at her home in Brownsville, Texas.

Manuela was born in Herorica Matamoros, Tamaulipas on January 10^th, 1936, to Reyes and Macaria Rios, she had 7 brothers and sisters. 

At a young age, she discovered her love for God and implemented his teachings throughout her life. She also enjoyed school and made many friends throughout the years. One special night on an outing with her older sister Luisa, Manuela by fate, met the love of her life, Raul Cervantes. Shortly after, they were wed and together had 5 beautiful children.  While raising her children, she continued to implement the teachings of God through the Catholic church.  In 1973, she had the responsibility of opening the doors of a small Mission by the name of Our Lady of Peace, where she taught Bible classes, assisted in record keeping and helped maintain the Mission. In 1996 Our Lady of Peace was converted to Saint Eugene de Mazenod where Raul, Manuela’s Husband, who was a skilled carpenter, crafted the alter, kneeling benches and other woodworks and Manuela continued to assist the church in many aspects as well as being a dedicated catechist from 1973 to 2013. While her time with the church, she was also very involved with the church choir, being a part of the choir gave her much joy and fulfillment, because when she sang, she was singing for God. Manuela enjoyed spending time with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren. One of Manuela’s favorite past times was crocheting. She created many beautiful items such as blankets, hats, dresses, and everything in between for family members and friends, as well as 2 religious art pieces that were made for the church of Jesus and the Virgin Mary that are still hanging there today.

She was preceded in death by her Husband Raul Cervantes, her Father Reyes Rios, her Mother Macaria Rios, Father-in-law Jose Cervantes, Mother-in-law Maria Cervantes, her brothers Reyes Rios Jr, Ramon Rios, Francisco U. Rios, her sisters Maria A. Rios, Maria Luisa Olvera, brothers-in-law Gilberto Olvera, Jose Antonio Rodiguez Sr, Julian Cervantes, Andre Cervantes, Pedro Carrizalez, Felix Cervantes, her sisters-in-law Rosa Gallegos, Norma Rios, Rosa Cervantes, Gela Rios, Aminda Cervantes, Maria Carrizalez, Mage Rios, and her daughter Cecilia Cervantes.

She is survived by her brother Ruben Rios, her sister Eduviges Zavala (Lupe), her children, Carmen Gomez (Daniel), Raul Cervantes Jr, Laura Castillo (Arturo), Rick Cervantes (Rhonda) and her many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Her love for her husband and children was always deep and unconditional. Anytime, anywhere; if we needed advice or guidance, she was always there to come through no matter what the situation was. 

 She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. We love you so much!

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. in the North Chapel of Treviño Funeral Home-Old Port Isabel Rd., Brownsville, TX. 

Visitation resumes 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday March 7, 2024, at North Chapel of Treviño Funeral Home-Old Port Isabel Rd. with a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. at San Eugenio Mazenod Catholic Church located at 5409 Austin Rd. in Brownsville, Texas 78521. 

A rite of committal will follow at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens,4464 Old Port Isabel Rd., Brownsville, TX. At 11:00 a.m.

Family and friends are invited to view the obituary, sign the guestbook electronically, and leave a condolence message for Manuela’s family at www.trevinofuneral.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Treviño Funeral Home located at 1355 Old Port Isabel Rd., Brownsville, Texas 78521 and 956-542-2583.