Lydia G. Villarreal

EDCOUCH - It is with humbled hearts that the Villarreal and Garcia families share the passing of Lydia Garcia Villarreal, who at the graceful and blessed age of 92, was lovingly called home by our Heavenly Father on February 5, 2026. Though Heaven rejoices at her arrival, the hearts she leaves behind on this earth are forever changed by her absence.

Lydia was born on May 11, 1933, in Mercedes, Texas, a precious gift entrusted to this world as the cherished daughter of Lorenzo Garcia and Edith Bancross. 

From the very beginning of her life, Lydia was marked by faith, humility, and a quiet strength that would come to define every chapter of her earthly journey. She was a lifelong resident of Edcouch, Texas, where she and her beloved husband Polo planted deep roots of love, devotion, and service that will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. 

She was a devout Catholic, a woman whose life was completely surrendered to God. Lydia’s faith was not something she spoke about, it was something she lived, breathed, and embodied each and every day. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church in Edcouch and Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission Church in La Villa, where she served selflessly for over 25 years as the Parish Secretary and Bookkeeper. During her many years as Parish Secretary, Lydia was often the first face of the Church for countless souls, and especially for the many priests who were newly assigned to her beloved parish. Lydia welcomed with her gentle smile, her kind spirit, and steady wisdom each priest not merely as clergy, but as family. She offered guidance, patience, and quiet support, helping them find their footing within the parish community and assuring them they were never alone. To many of them, Lydia became a trusted confidant, a source of encouragement, and a reminder of God’s tenderness at work through His people. Lydia’s presence brought comfort, order, and peace to the parish office, and her love for the Church made every priest feel truly at home from the moment they arrived. Lydia’s devotion knew no limits, as she served as a member of the Spanish Choir, lifting her voice in praise to God; she also proclaimed His Word as a Church Lector; she brought comfort to families in times of grief through the Funeral Rosary Ministry, she also carried Christ Himself to the sick and elderly as a Eucharistic Minister, ensuring that no soul was forgotten or left alone. She also was deeply devoted to her Spanish Prayer Group, where she made her Total Consecration to Mother Mary, placing her entire life beneath the mantle of the Blessed Virgin. Lydia was also an Ambassador for Our Lady of Schoenstatt, lovingly carrying the pilgrimage image from home to home to foster Marian devotion, prayer, and unity. She was a faithful member of Our Lady of Fatima’s Blue Army, a devoted participant in the First Friday and First Saturday devotions, and a spiritual leader within the Comunidades de Basè Faith Formation, guiding others closer to Christ through her wisdom and example. She often volunteered tirelessly at the church food pantry, during Holy Week, and throughout the Posada celebrations, never once seeking recognition, only God’s glory. Every single morning, without fail, Lydia rose and offered the first hour of her day to God, where she immersed in prayer, Scripture, and journaling. Even before the world awoke, she had already placed her heart, her worries, and her loved ones into God’s hands. This sacred ritual was the foundation of her life, the wellspring from which her kindness, patience, and unwavering faith flowed. 

Beyond her service to the Church, Lydia’s greatest earthly treasure was her family. She was profoundly devoted to her children, grandchildren, and generations that followed, as each one was held deeply within her heart and lifted daily in prayer. She loved fiercely, unconditionally, and without judgment. Lydia’s home was a place of peace, warmth, and unwavering support, as a refuge where love was always abundant. 

Lydia was also a proud Edcouch-Elsa Yellow Jackets fan and a beloved alumni of the Class of 1953, where her school pride remained strong throughout her life, as she faithfully attended local games until the age of 87, cheering on her team with the same joy and enthusiasm she carried in all aspects of her life. Lydia was very well known by all and loved by everyone, as her gentle spirit, warm smile, and compassionate heart left an indelible mark on all who were blessed to know her. She was a loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and a dear friend to countless souls.

Lydia now returns to Our Heavenly Father and to Mamaita Mary in Heaven, where she is joyfully reunited once again with her beloved husband, Apolonio “Polo” Villarreal; her parents, Lorenzo Garcia and Edith Bancross; her stepmother, Celia Garcia; and her cherished siblings, Josefina Soliz, Maria Tita Saldaña, Raul Garcia, Meliton Garcia, Gilberto Garcia, Lydia Garcia, Larry Garcia, Anita Galvan, Jaime Garcia, Axel Garcia, Vidal Garcia, Rafael Garcia, and Celedonio Garcia. One can only imagine the glorious reunion at the gates of Heaven, where arms wide open, tears of joy flowing freely, as Lydia was welcomed home by those who had been waiting for her with boundless love.

Lydia leaves to cherish her priceless memories and to carry her legacy forward that will live on in the hearts of her loving children, Roberto (Patricia) Louis Villarreal, Reginald Villarreal, Esther (Tito) Alfaro, and Margie (Eric) Willingham; her beloved siblings: Frank (Dora) Garcia, Clemencia (Robert) Perez, Julie (Heron) Castillo, Delia (The Late Fernando) Cisneros, and Tony (Sandra) Garcia; her treasured grandchildren, Angela, Tracie (Arturo), Robbie, Lydia (Josh), Daniel, Maria (Daniel), Eric Joseph, John Paul, Edith, and Gabriela; her adored great-grandchildren, Samantha, Ella, Diego, Rafael “Polo,” Eziquel, Arturo, Adam, Benjamin, Shylah, Sofia, and Liana; and her precious great-great-grandson, Jaden; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love and example.

The Family extends a heartfelt invitation to all loved ones and dear friends to join them in mourning, prayer, and remembrance as they celebrate the extraordinary life of Lydia Garcia Villarreal, as a visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 9:00 PM, with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM, at Serenity Funeral Chapel, 1401 E. Santa Rosa Ave., Edcouch, Texas. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 13, 2026, at St. Theresa Of The Infant Jesus Catholic Church, 200 Salazar St., Edcouch, Texas. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco, Texas.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Robbie, Daniel, Eric Joseph, John Paul, Polo, Eziquel, and Diego.

Though our hearts ache and our tears fall endlessly, we take comfort in knowing that Lydia’s life was a life well lived through her faith, sacrifice, and boundless love. Lydia’s legacy lives on in every prayer whispered, every act of kindness offered, and every soul she guided closer to God. Until we meet again, may Lydia’s soul rest in eternal peace, embraced by the love of Christ and the gentle arms of our Blessed Mother.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Dr. Joseph Conde and staff at Serenity Funeral Chapels located on 1401 E. Santa Rosa Ave Edcouch, Texas 78538.