Laurencia C. Villanueva

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Laurencia C. Villanueva, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, who left us on May 13, 2025, at Aurora House in Weslaco.

Born on November 15, 1940, in Palmillas, Mexico, to Esteban Camacho and Estefana Puente, Laurencia was a vibrant and generous soul whose love and dedication touched all who knew her. She left her education early to care for her seven siblings, demonstrating her selflessness from a young age. Later, she moved to the United States after marrying Epifanio Villanueva Jr., and committed to building a better life for her family.

As a devoted single mother, Laurencia ensured her children felt deeply loved, instilling the importance of faith and making God central in their lives. A dedicated homemaker, she also worked as a home provider and enjoyed hosting garage sales, ensuring her family never went without. Known for her exceptional cooking, her migas were a cherished breakfast favorite. Laurencia was a compassionate listener, always ready with advice and a warm meal for her children, grandchildren, and anyone in need.

Her generosity was boundless; she frequently traveled to Ciudad Victoria, Mexico, bringing gifts for all and sharing food and essentials with those in need, who often sought her out at home. Laurencia found joy in life’s simple pleasures: spending time with family, knitting, tending her garden, enjoying evening breezes, and watching her favorite game show, The Price Is Right. Her legacy is one of love, generosity, and gratitude, serving as a shining example of a caring and devoted mother.

Laurencia was preceded in death by her parents, Esteban Camacho and Estefana Puente, her sister, Amparo Camacho Puente, and great-granddaughter, Gabrielle Cerda.

She is survived by her children, Luis Fernando Puente (Eva), Juan Villanueva (Rose), Leonarda Garcia (Esequiel), Laura Mejorado (Rolando), and Jose Luis Villanueva (Sara Abi); her grandchildren, Juan Villanueva Jr., Lorenzo Ardamus Spears (Eva Espitia), Ana Luisa Gonzalez Guajardo, Jessica Cerda (Celestino), Luis Gonzalez Guajardo, Michael Villanueva, Esequiel Garcia III, Isabela Garcia, Caleb Villanueva, and Alina Villanueva; and her great-grandchildren, Lennox Cerda, Mia Cerda, Nova Cerda, and Ardamus T. Spears. Laurencia is also survived by her siblings, Liberio, Margarita, Marta, Jose Luis, Nena, San Juanita, and Cristina, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Pedro J. Penalo and staff in Mercedes, El Rey Primary Health Care in Weslaco, Mt. Sinai Hospice in Harlingen, and Aurora House in Weslaco for their compassionate care. Special gratitude is offered to Hilaria Rocha and Eva Espitia for their dedicated support.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a Celebration of her Life at 7:00 PM at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco. The celebrations will continue on May 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM before she is laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.