Maria "Mary" E. Cortez

Maria "Mary" E. Cortez
Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend passed away on Monday, June 7, 2021, at Autumn Ridge Gardens, with her family at her side; at the age of 77 years.

The daughter of the late Ben and Ester (Maldonado) Cortez, Mary was born on October 30, 1943 in Brady, Texas. She graduated from St. Joseph High School with the class of 1963. Mary married Thomas Cortez Jr. on June 4, 1966 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Saginaw; he survives her. She was a secretary for many years of loyal and dedicated service in the public-school system. Mary was a dedicated member of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, serving as a lector and lay minister for many years. She was also a member of the Catholic Cursillo. Mary would enjoy going out dancing and being around family and friends. Above all, Mary cherished the time spent with her loving family.

Surviving besides her husband of 55 years, Thomas Cortez Jr.; are one daughter, one son and their spouses: Danielle and Edward Price, Victor Cortez and James Powers; three grandchildren: Miguel Brewer, Jasmine Brewer, Devin Price: two great-grandchildren: Aiden Kirk, Aspen Kirk; two brothers; four sisters; and very dear Birthday Club members. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Besides her parents, Mary was preceded in death by one grandson: Xavier Brewer II; her mother and father-in-law: Thomas Sr. and Pauline Cortez; three brothers and one sister.

A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan. Rev. Fr. Thai Nguyen will officiate with the Rite of Committal to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 14, 2021, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, Michigan. Friends may also visit from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass on Tuesday at the church. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the renovation of Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption.