Maria Bernarda Tejada

Maria Bernarda Tejada, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on September 21, 2024, at the age of 88. Born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras on February 15, 1936, she was the baby of her 14 siblings and an unwavering source of love for her family throughout her life.

Maria demonstrated extraordinary strength, caring deeply for her mother until her last days. As a single mother of four beautiful daughters—Maria Enloe, Evelyn Moeses, Suyapa Moeses, and Delma Moeses—Maria dedicated her life to nurturing and supporting her children, instilling in them the values of family and perseverance. Her journey to the United States brought her closer to loved ones, and it was here that she spent her later years surrounded by the laughter and joy of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Maria found immense happiness in her family, especially in her great-grandchildren, who became her everything towards the end of her life. Their presence made her smile, lifting her spirits and allowing her to forget her pains, embodying the spirit of resilience she carried throughout her life. The joy they brought to her in her last days was immeasurable, and she cherished each moment shared with them.

A woman of vibrant personality, Maria was known for her love of life and joyous spirit—whether dancing with family and friends or preparing the most delicious double-decker sandwiches. An avid reader, she found comfort and guidance in the Bible. Music filled her heart, with “Celoso” by Marco Antonio Muniz being her favorite song, while green and roses were her cherished color and flower respectively. Maria's favorite sayings were "uy yuy yuy" and "No se duermen sin orar."

Maria's warmth touched many, and she is remembered not only for her loving nature but also for the strength she demonstrated in the face of hardships. To help comfort Maria in her final days, she enjoyed watching "Caso Cerrado" hosted by Dr. Ana Maria Polo, who she considered to be a dear friend of hers. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and resilience that will resonate within the hearts of her family and friends.

She is survived by her beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, including Lizzette Froste and her husband Alejandro, Darwin Soontiraratn, Grecia Miranda, Irene Coronel and her husband Isaac, Brian Miranda and his wife Lesley,  Albert Horler, Joshua Gonzalez; and great-grandchildren Johnny Sanchez Jr., Lillyanne Gonzalez, Isabella Miranda, Jacob Sanchez, Alena Coronel, Jaxon Miranda, Ian Coronel, and Everett Miranda. Additionally, she is survived by her nephew and the son she never had, Juan Carlos Santamaría; as well as numerous other loving family and friends.

Maria is preceded in death by her parents, Manuel Lucas Tejada-Dubon and Maria Isabel Recarte-Pantin, and her beloved siblings: Marcos Antonio, Maria Cristina, Jose Leon, Salvador, Juan Ramon, Aura, Mauro, Marcia, Manuel Lucas, Maria Apolonia, and Digna.

A visitation in honor of Maria will be held on September 24, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Neal Funeral Home in Cleveland, TX. A funeral service will follow the next morning on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Neal Funeral Home in Cleveland, TX.

Maria Bernarda Tejada leaves a legacy filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.