Norma Linda (Maldonado) Torres

Norma Linda Maldonado Torres, surrounded by her kids, received her heavenly crown on July 25, 2022. She was born to the late Narciso “Chicho” and Refugia “Cuca” Maldonado in San Benito, Texas on November 3, 1950.

She was a proud lifelong San Benito Greyhound. After 42 years of dedicated work and service to the San Benito school district, she retired in 2016 and dedicated her time, as always, to caring for her family, cooking and baking for everyone, and supporting her Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros. All who worked with her in the district were always ready for the cakes, cookies, sandwiches, and birthday cards she would bring to the office for her colleagues. There was no bigger fan of the Dallas Cowboys than Linda, and if you were able to be at her house during a game, then she also fed you. Her other favorite things include decorating, cooking, and celebrating Christmas, watching Jeopardy!, spoiling her sons-in-law, and always helping and donating to take care of others. She always preferred to give her all to others than keep anything for herself.

After the passing of her eldest sister, Pita, just a month ago, Linda remained as the last of her family. She was preceded in death by her much-missed parents, Narciso “Chicho” and Refugia “Cuca” Maldonado; her loving brothers, Frank and Mario Maldonado; her dear sister, Alma Ramon; and most recently, her sister and daily partner in crime, Guadalupe Maldonado Martinez. Linda, the baby girl of the Maldonados, is now reunited, resting, and rejoicing with them.

Left to carry on her fighting spirit, cherish her loving memory, and continue cooking and baking her famous recipes are her pride and joy, her favorite firstborn daughter and favorite San Benito son-in-law, Esmeralda (Juan) De Los Santos, and her favorite baby girl and favorite Cuban son-in-law, Dr. Melissa Irene (Dayron Almesiga) Maldonado Torres; her beloved and devoted partner of 28 years, Paulo Rodrigues; her precious stepsons Rolando (Amy Martinez) Rodrigues and Derek (Nicole) Rodrigues; and step grandchildren, Juan (Kylie) De Los Santos, Jr., Robert (Rose) De Los Santos, and Samantha Almesiga. Those memories will include sharing recipes with Esmeralda, having Juan barbecue for her, going to casinos with Melissa, talking about trucking and her dad with Dayron, and going out for rides with Paul.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We ask that those who would like to share some happy memories of our mom please come ready to do so in helping us remember her. The family asks that you wear Dallas Cowboys shirts or jerseys if you have them. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Theresa Catholic Church on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.  Rite of Committal and interment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are her nephews, Johnny and Orlando Martinez, her stepsons, Rolando and Derek Rodrigues, and her ahijados, Luis Rios and Manny Benavides. Honorary pallbearers are her nephew, Frank Maldonado, ahijado Juan Carlos Rios, and her dear friend, Mr. David H. Garcia.

Floral tributes for Linda will be received at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. Memorial donations in her name may be made to her favorite charity and cause of 35 years, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).

Her daughters wish to send a special thank you to Dr. Bhatla, Carla, Carina, Aracely, Joel, Jorge, Comfort, Crystal, Gisela, Rosie, Sergio, Lori, and Marlen at Harlingen Medical Center for their special, dignified, and loving care they showed Mom, and to Dr. Mollie Gordon for her daily check-ins and encouragement to our mom and us over this last month.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW A LIVESTREAM OF THE ROSARY AND TIME OF SHARING