Maria Peralez of Idalou passed away surrounded by her loving family on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the age of 94. Maria was born in Rosebud, Texas, to Cleofas and Tomasa (Cruz) Herrera. Her faith was at the center of her life, and she was a faithful member of St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Idalou, where she also proudly served as a Cursillista and Guadalupana. Her family remembers her as a woman who was firm and steadfast in her faith, living by example and passing those values on to the generations who followed her.

As the mother of eight children, Maria devoted much of her life to raising and caring for her family. She was deeply involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren and was never one to simply watch from the sidelines. She could often be found in the front yard playing baseball with them, spending time together, and making sure they knew they were loved. She also spent countless hours alongside her family working in the fields, hoeing and doing the hard work that was necessary. Through her example, she instilled in her children a strong work ethic, perseverance, and an appreciation for the value of an honest day's work.

Maria made sure everyone was fed—and fed well. Cooking was one of the many ways she showed her love, and her family will especially remember her tamales and burritos. Whether family, friend, or visitor, there was always room for one more, and no one needed to leave her home hungry.

Throughout her life, Maria treated everyone she encountered with kindness. She maintained a positive attitude, rarely complained, and approached life with strength and gratitude. She also knew how to enjoy herself and especially loved playing Bingo and trying her luck with scratch-off lottery tickets.

Above all, Maria's greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind a legacy that now extends through five generations and a lifetime of memories that will continue to be shared for years to come.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Elvira Garcia and husband Ray of San Antonio, and Ernest Peralez and wife Rosa, Rosa Garza and husband Lorenzo, Sotero Peralez, Jr. and wife Janie, Alfredo Peralez, Luis Peralez and wife Linda, and Joe Peralez and wife Brenna, all of Idalou; 19 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren, with another great-great-grandchild on the way.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Sotero Peralez, Sr., in 2016; daughter, Esther Peralez, in 2021; grandson, Jonathan Peralez; and 12 siblings.

Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Idalou, with the Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Idalou Cemetery.