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Life story

" Dr. Maria Elena Villarreal lived a life defined by courage, devotion, and an unshakable belief in the power of education. Born in 1939 in General Zuazua, Nuevo León, Mexico, she began her life surrounded by the quiet strength of the land, growing up on a ranch before moving to Monterrey as a teenager. From an early age, she understood responsibility, resilience, and the value of learning—principles that would guide her for the rest of her life.

At just 15 years old, Maria Elena graduated from the Normal Superior in 1954 and began teaching in public schools, already answering what would become her life’s calling: to educate, uplift, and inspire others. In 1958, she married her love, Fernando Raúl Villarreal. Together they embarked on a brave new chapter, immigrating to the United States and settling in Corpus Christi, Texas.

For the next decade, Maria Elena devoted herself fully to her family, raising four children—Elena, Fernando, Carlos, and Luis—with boundless love, discipline, and faith. Though she put her professional aspirations on hold, her belief in education never dimmed. In 1969, she returned to school to learn English, determined to continue the journey she had begun years earlier.

Her perseverance bore fruit in 1972, a landmark year in her life. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University–Kingsville) and proudly became a United States citizen. That same year, she returned to the classroom, teaching in Corpus Christi public schools while continuing her own education. She went on to earn both a Master’s degree and a Doctorate in Education from Texas A&I, proving through her own example that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams.

In 1978, Dr. Villarreal accepted a teaching position at the University of Texas at El Paso, beginning a distinguished career in higher education. She became a respected professor, an accomplished speaker, and a sought-after consultant, known throughout the State of Texas for her impactful education workshops. Her voice carried wisdom, warmth, and lived experience—resonating deeply with educators and students alike.

Eventually, she returned to Corpus Christi, where Fernando continued managing the family’s real estate investments. Dr. Villarreal joined Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi as a professor, where she taught, mentored, and inspired until her retirement in 1998.

Because of her remarkable life story, the adult education program in Corpus Christi repeatedly invited her to serve as keynote speaker for graduation ceremonies. Standing before adults who had returned to school, she shared her own journey—one marked by sacrifice, determination, and faith—filling graduates with hope and reminding them that their dreams were always within reach.

She is predeceased by her parents Jose Maria Villarreal Cantu and Bernandina Villarreal Villarreal and her son Carlos Villarreal. She is survived by her children Elena (Scott) Cardinell, Fernando (Jeff) Villarreal, Luis (Kim) Villarreal, grandchildren Veronica, Nathan (Nola), Franklin, Alexandra (John), Nicolas, Sierra, Carolina, Livi, and Victor, and greatgrandchild Basil. "