Maria Elena Dominguez, 84, of Blessing, Texas, peacefully passed away on June 6, 2025. She was born on July 9, 1940, in San Juan, Texas.

Maria lived a life full of strength, love, and devotion to her family. Her strong work ethic began at the age of 14, when she started her first job as a maid. Over the years, Maria worked tirelessly in various roles, including as a migrant worker picking cotton and harvesting fruit and vegetables. She also worked numerous jobs as a waitress in Bay City, Texas, and at a local nursing home, where her compassionate care later led to her working in the nursing field later in life. Maria also worked as a parts runner for Coastal Automotive, where she spent many years working alongside her good friend James Dancer. In her later years, Maria moved to Houston, Texas, and worked as an RV manager at Trader Village.

In addition to her many accomplishments, Maria loved watching Turner Classic movies, telenovelas, biographies on TV, shopping at thrift stores and garage sales, and, most of all, singing and dancing. These activities brought her immense joy throughout her life.

She is survived by her beloved children: Guadalupe Olvera Schooler and husband Ricky Schooler, Manuel Olvera and wife Diana Olvera, Bruno Olvera Jr. and wife Danita Olvera, Lorraine Olvera Esquivel and husband Joe Esquivel, and Elaine Olvera Santiago. Maria was a proud grandmother to 15 grandchildren and a cherished great- and great-great-grandmother to many. She is also survived by her living siblings, Armando Barrera, Mela Barrera, Jesse Barrera, Hopi Barrera, Baldemar Barrera, and Mary Lou Barrera, as well as her brother-in-law Refugio Flores.

Maria was preceded in death by two children, Raul Olvera and Beatriz Olvera, her parents Raul and Fermina Barrera, and her siblings Jose Barrera, Arnoldo Barrera, and Romela Flores.

Her warmth, dedication to family, and tireless work ethic left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Maria's legacy lives on through the generations she lovingly raised.

A private memorial service will be held for the family.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.