Maria Gallardo Arizmendi

Maria (Mary) Gallardo Arizmendi peacefully returned home to the loving arms of her heavenly Father on December 8, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. She will be cherished and remembered by all whose lives she touched.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, followed by interment at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Mary was born on August 19, 1940, to Fernando L. Gallardo and Josefa Hernandez Gallardo. She grew up in a nurturing family environment alongside her older sister, Fernanda, and her younger sister, Tonie. Her parents instilled in their daughters a profound faith in God, which became a cornerstone of Mary's character. She was known for her caring and compassionate nature, lovingly caring for her parents throughout their lives.

Mary graduated from Uvalde High School and pursued higher education at Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas. She later transferred to Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas, where she earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education.

Beginning her teaching career at La Mar Elementary in Del Rio, Texas, Mary eventually returned to Uvalde to continue making a difference in the lives of her students with Uvalde CISD. As an excellent and dedicated schoolteacher, she was passionate about her work, inspiring her students and encouraging them to reach their full potential. Her commitment to her students was evident in her efforts to make each child feel valued and special, creating a positive impact that will last for generations.

Mary is survived by her sisters, Fernando Gallardo of Mimbres, New Mexico, and Antonia (Tonie) Gallardo Martinez of Uvalde. She is also survived by her niece, Erika Martinez Burt and husband, Justin of Shelton, Connecticut; nephews Ernesto Gallardo Martinez and wife, Lucy Salinas Martinez of San Antonio, David Fernando Chilicky and wife, Gaylee of Phoenix, Arizona, Carl James Chilicky and wife, Sarah of Mimbres, New Mexico, and Robert Aaron Chilicky of Westford, Massachusetts; as well as her stepdaughter, Leticia Arizmendi Gallegos and husband, Mark of Uvalde, along with numerous grandnieces and grandnephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Rene Arizmendi; her parents; her maternal grandparents, Francisco and Isabel Hernandez; stepdaughter, Naida Arizmendi; and her beloved niece, Beverly Ann Bethel.

Pallbearers will be Knights of Columbus members, Al Ramirez, Gilbert Gonzales, John Aviles, Marco Garcia, and Roy Estrada.

She will be honored by honorary pallbearers, her beloved cousins, Frank Alegria and Antonio L. Hernandez.

Mary’s kindness, dedication, and spirit will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

 A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others.” - Mustafa Kemal Ataturk