Hortencia Paez Reyes, 89, passed away with her family by her side at her home in Verdi on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Hortencia also known as "Tencha" to her family and friends was born November 2, 1932 at her parent's home in Leming, Texas. She was the first of five children born to Jose and Celia Rodriguez Paez.

Hortencia began her education in a two-room schoolhouse called Friendship, where she and her siblings would walk to school. After 8th grade graduation, she attended Pleasanton High School. At Pleasanton High School she was active in Future Homemakers of America and the National Honor Society, graduating in 1952. After graduation, Hortencia worked at Finesilver Manufacturing Company, a clothing manufacturer in San Antonio, Texas.

On February 24, 1957, Hortencia married Juan Cruz Reyes at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Las Gallinas Community. They had a morning ceremony, and their day-long wedding reception was held at her parents' home in Verdi. Juan and Hortencia then made their home in Jourdanton, Texas where they raised six children.

Hortencia's nursing career started in 1967 with the first Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) program taught at Mercy Hospital. She then worked simultaneously at Mercy Hospital and Retama Manor Jourdanton Nursing Home. After leaving Mercy Hospital, she began a career with South Texas Regional Home Health. At the age of 75 she was appointed Activities Director at Retama Manor Jourdanton and later Retama Manor South. Her love for nursing, compassionate soul and her care for others made her well-known throughout Atascosa County.

Hortencia was a devoted daughter, dedicating much of her time away from her job, to help care for her elderly parents. She was a loving mother working very hard to ensure her children received a higher education. She was also a caring grandmother to her seven grandchildren. From age 70 to 74, she looked after her grandsons Garrett and Joshua in Cedar Creek, Texas.

Additionally, Hortencia was an active member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church where she served on the Parish Council and was also a member of The Guadalupanas. In her later years, she was a member of St. Luke's Catholic Church in Loire. Hortencia also found time to organize March of Dimes fundraisers in the 70's.

Hortencia enjoyed traveling. During the summer months, she would pack her children in a truck and camper taking them to Colorado to visit cousins. As an empty nester, Hortencia would take her parents to Mexico and would relish going to see her children throughout the United States and overseas. Some of her wonderful vacations included visiting Alabama, California, North and South Carolina, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Tennessee, Greece, and Italy. She especially took pleasure in visiting The Vatican.

Hortencia loved people. She would help anyone in need and never met a stranger. She will be remembered for her charity and generosity, reflecting her faith as a devout Catholic.

Hortencia is survived by her daughters Dolores Pergioudakis (Nicolaos) and Rose Mary Garza (Homer), sons John D. Reyes (Sally), Ricky D. Reyes (Martha), and Jose L. Reyes (Mirna), grandchildren Matthew Reyes, Camille Reyes, Kelsi Reyes-Meyer (Logan),  Garrett Garza, Joshua Garza, Ariana Reyes and Cyrene Reyes, brother Jesse Paez (Mary), sisters Lina Huizar and Mary Lou Luna, and numerous loving nieces and nephews.  Hortencia was preceded in death by her beloved husband Juan C. Reyes, parents Jose and Celia (Rodriguez) Paez, son Robert A. Reyes, and a brother, Jose Paez Jr.

Pallbearers are Matthew Reyes, Garrett Garza, Joshua Garza, Marcus Reyes, Rudy Luna and Edward Huizar.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at Hurley Funeral Home in Pleasanton from 2:00 pm until 9:00 pm with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at St. Luke Catholic Church, at Fm 536 & IH 37N in Loire at 10:00 am . Interment will follow in St. Luke Cemetery, FM 116 in Loire.

Anyone wishing to sign the guestbook, share memories or issue condolences for the family may do so at www.hurleyfuneralhome.com