Maria Francisco Lara, 82, of Blessing passed away January 9, 2017. She was born January 29, 1934 in Robstown, Texas to the late Francisco Leija and Josefina Cueveda Leija. She retired as custodian at Tidehaven ISD after many years.

She was preceded in death by her husband Porfirio Lara in 2005. Survivors include daughters Delia Carrillo & husband Nicholas of Bay City, Estela Cordero & husband Luis of Bay City, Irma Vasquez & husband John of Wisconsin, Martha Alanis & husband Ramiro of Alabama, and Teresa Revis & husband Carlton of El Maton; son Oscar Lara of El Maton; sister Mencha Caldwell of Austin; daughter-in-law Kristen Lara of Bay City; 16 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

A rosary will be recited at 6:30 PM Friday, January 13, 2017 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Blessing. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 AM Saturday, January 14, 2017 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Blessing. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Blessing. Her grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.