Maria Luevanos Medrano

Maria was born on June 21, 1956, in La Muralla, Coahuila, Mexico. In 1963, she immigrated to the United States with her parents, eventually making their home in Leander, Texas. She met David when she was just 11 years old and he was 13. Their childhood friendship grew into a lifelong love, and they married on December 26, 1974.

Maria was the strong and loving matriarch of her family. She was honest, fiercely loyal and always there when someone needed her. She was a mother not only to her own daughters but also to many others who were fortunate enough to be loved, encouraged and welcomed by her. Maria was a friend to everyone and had a remarkable way of making people feel like they belonged.

After David’s passing, Maria courageously began a new chapter. She traded life on the ranch for life on the island, moving to Port Aransas so she could welcome the birth of her grandson, Jonas, and be present as he grew up. Jonas was the apple of her eye, and being his grandmother brought her immeasurable joy.

Maria could never sit still. While living in Port Aransas, she took on several part-time jobs to pass the time and enjoyed a carefree island life surrounded by friends and family. Most recently, she began working at Lowe’s in Port Aransas, where aisle one gave her the perfect place to do what came naturally—talk to everyone she met. She never knew a stranger and could turn the simplest conversation into a new friendship.

Maria was a strong Mexican woman who was proud of where she came from and deeply devoted to the people she loved. She will also be remembered for making the very best tamales—a family tradition made even more special because they came from her hands and her heart.

Maria is survived by her daughters, Susanna Medrano and her wife, Kristy Medrano, and Naomi Jenkins and her husband, Jason Jenkins; her beloved grandson, Jonas Jenkins; and her brothers, Joe Luevanos, Jerry Luevanos and Ramon Luevanos. She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and many dear friends who became family along the way.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and partner of 45 years, David Medrano; her mother, Rosa Luevanos; her father, Salvador Luevanos; and her brother, Ezquiel “Chappo” Luevanos.

Maria will be remembered for her strength, fierce loyalty, honesty and unconditional love. She was the heart of her family, a true friend to all and a steady presence through every season of life. Her love will continue through the family she built, the people she cared for and the countless lives she touched.

She will be forever loved and forever missed.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday September 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity by the Sea Episcopal Church in Port Aransas, Texas. A reception will follow at VFW Post 8967 in Port Aransas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Maria’s memory to Friends of the ARK in Port Aransas, Texas.