The leader of the pack, "Maria De La Luz". The brains of the family. The nurse and Holiday entertainer with all traditional foods for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Those were the days when Tia Celia, Mom and Mary and Lichita would help in making delicious Tamales, Pork, Chicken, Beans, sweet Raisin tamales. In addition delicious Menudo - One of a Kind, and Then the buenuelos. Thanks for showering us with love and gifts. All those traditions went away with Mom's passing and you leaving us. Thanks for mentoring Gloria in running a Business. You were always so confident and determined to suceed in Life. You always knew what to say and how to treat people with dignity and respect. I'll forever be indebted to you for being you. I always loved all our family especially you, mom and dad who were the ones that cared for me and all our families wellbeing. Thanks a million, like Lichita Thanked our dad for Taking her on all her Hodgkins treatments for 10 years all the way to Galveston. On her death bed, Lichita had the strength to look straight at my Dad and give him a heartfelt "THANK YOU." I'm so proud of you, dear sister, Mary, and Love you with all my heart. That day Mrs Vela the teacher in second grade kept you after school, My heart was breaking, and there was nothing I could do, a first grader, especially since our parents with our preschool siblings were up in the Lubbock area selling Tamales, sweet bread, Mexican candy and apples to the braceros - making a living to provide for us. Tia Celia and Uncle Maximino, under whose care we were - they were at home and they were also busy with the little Monitas grocery store.

My deepest condolence to the Polendo and Hilaro families. Maria and I worked together for ten years at Santo Nino School. She and I developed a great friendship. She was an incredible person and was loved by all.

Our most sincere condololences to all the family . I met Maria in school and worked with her with Mr. Cruz as students. May Maria RIP and May the light perpetual shine upon her. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO OUR FRIEND MARIA DE LA LUZ. OUR FRIEND SINCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT FARIA ELEMENTARY NEXT TO YOUR PARENTS STORE. LUIS AND YOURSELF WERE AND STILL ARE MY FRIENDS. REST IN PEACE AND WE WILL BE SAYING PRAYERS FOR YOUS AND YOUR FAMILY. MR. GERARDO LUIS AND WIFE MRS. DORA E. PIÑA AND FAMILY. 2208 BLAINE ST., LAREDO, TEXAS 78043 I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH YOU AND LUIS, MY OLD ADDRESS WAS 4017 JUAREZ AND WE USE TO HANG OUT WITH JOHN AND ROBERTO DELGADO ABOUT 1 BLOCK FROM YOUR HOME AND STORE. I USE TO SEE AND TALK TO LUIS AT SEARS.( WHEN WE WERE YOUNG WE NEVER THOUGHT SEARS WAS GOING TO CLOSE.) REST IN PEACE AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. SORRY I COULD NOT STOP BY FUNERAL HOME. JERRY

Dear Polendo Family, I am sorry to hear that Tia Mary passed away. She will be greatly missed. She was always kind and loving. I have nothing but good memories of the time I spent with Tia Mary while growing up at Grandma's House and the time shared during the holidays. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Please accept my condolences. With deepest sympathy, Jose M. Hilario Jr.

Love you and will be missing you always.

To my Loving grandmother.

My beautiful friend..may you be in heaven with our love ones..and your family know that you are in peace in the hands of our Lord...my deepest condolences ...BLESSINGS❤🙏

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on this sad day. I knew Maria since she was a young teenager while she worked at the store to help out her parents. She was always polite, serious and willing to help. Maria was respected by many because of her special personality and her willingness to work. May she Rest In Peace.

Sorry for your loss. May she be at peace, flying high above in the sky with her angel wings. May she be looking upon us all, from above, with a smile on her face. Although she may be gone from our sight, she will always remain present in our hearts . May the Lord grant your family strength and peace.