Mary G. Tijerina

PORTAGE – Mary G. Tijerina, age 72, of Portage, passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on September 9, 1946, in Corpus Christi, TX, the daughter of Jesus and Agueda (Guadalupe) Guartuche, Sr. At age 14, Olegario Reyas Tijerina captured 14 year-old Mary’s heart. They married in Texas and were together for 57 years. Mary loved her husband and family.  She took so much pride in how she raised her children to be God-fearing, and respectful.  Never did her children lack for anything, especially love.  She never turned anyone away.  When it came time for her to relax, she and her only love would dance the night away!  When they relocated to Portage to find a more peaceful life, they became members of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where they enjoyed so much meeting new people.  Ole was quite the talker, while mom sat quietly and patiently waiting for him to get done, now she’ll be waiting for him in heaven. 

She is survived by her husband, Olegario Tijerina; children, Eddie (Tess) Tijerina and their daughter, Victoria, Florence Tijerina (Butch) Salinas and their children, Camellia and Andreas, Rita Tijerina (Jamaine) Akins, Ole (Melissa) Tijerina, Jr. and their children, Michael, Tyler, Matthew, Heaven, Christopher, and Amadio, Refugia Tijerina (Delnato) Sheppard, Sr., and their children, Elijhu, Joshua, Delnato, Jr., Desiree, Ashley, Delvonte, and Jasmine; siblings, Aurora G. Cumpian, Jesus Guartuche, Jr., and Arturo Guartuche; 5 great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Anastasio Guartuche, Paula Guartuche, Daniel Guartuche, Melly Guartuche; and her infant granddaughter, Gabrielle.

Services will be private.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.