Maria A. Whitman

Maria A. Whitman, 89, entered into eternal rest on June 22, 2022 at Las Palmas Nursing Home in McAllen, Texas. She is preceded in death by her Father Leonel Lorenzo Barrera, Mother Guadalupe Davis Barrera, Husband John Whitman, Brothers Jose Ocampo Barrera, Leonel Lorenzo Barrera, II, her Sisters Flora Ella Soltero and Maria de Socorro Villarreal. Maria A. Whitman as we all knew her as Manca was a loving, caring and fun person to be around. Manca worked for Dr. Riley’s office in her younger years. She met the Love of her life John and they enjoyed traveling to many destinations especially Mexico along the beautiful beaches. Manca also worked many years with Exxon as a Secretary. She lived in Houston, Texas for many years as she continued to work for Exxon and in her retirement years, she volunteered her time at a nearby dance studio and helped with school age dancers. She enjoyed helping the little girls get ready for their dance recitals. Manca was also a huge fan of the Houston Astros and if you called her during a game, you were sure to be asked to wait while she watched the next play. She enjoyed eating panchos, and tortilla soup was one of her favorites. She also would have her daily cold diet coke in hand. Manca was an avid gardener and you could find a sign in her yard always being awarded Yard of the Month. She could tell you about all kinds of flowers and plants. Manca came to live in McAllen, Texas in the year of 2014 as she had showed signs of the beginnings of dementia. She lived with her sister Maria Elena Martinez, but it was soon evident that Manca needed additional help. Her Brother Leonel and her Sister In-Law Barbara would now take on the care of Manca. After having several falls and showing signs of her dementia progressing, it was a tough decision to make to place her in the care of a nursing home. Manca resided at Las Palmas Nursing Home for 7 years. Manca, we know you are dancing with the Love of Your Life in Heaven and reunited with your loved ones as well. You will greatly be missed, but never forgotten. We will hold you near and dear to our hearts. We will see each other again, but for now Rest in Peace Manca. She is survived by her sister, Maria Elena Martinez of McAllen, Texas; sister-in-law, Barbara Barrera and numerous nieces and nephews. Special Thanks to Las Palmas Nursing Home for 7 years of dedication and care for Manca. Memorial Service to be held from 5:00pm-9:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm, Thursday June 30, 2022 at Virgil Wilson Funeral Home located at 2200 N Conway Ave. Mission, Texas 78572. Church Mass to be held at 10:30am, Friday July 1, 2022 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 620 N Dunlap Ave. Mission, Texas 78572. Burial is scheduled for Monday July 11, 2022 at 10:00am at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Rd. Houston, Texas 77077.

Maria A. Whitman

October 22, 1932 - June 22, 2022