Elena Contreras

Elena Cruz Contreras of Waco, Texas, passed away peacefully at the age of 79, on Thursday, July 25, 2013. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, July 26th, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, 8220 Woodway Drive, with a Rosary at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 27, at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Waco with Reverend Rakshaganathan Selvaraj (Father Raj) officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Cemetery.

Elena was born July 14, 1934, in Maxwell, Texas, to Marcos and Marcelina Cruz. She grew up in Kyle, Texas. Elena married Eduardo Lucio Contreras on her birthday, July 14, 1957, and they recently celebrated 56 years of marriage.

Elena was a faithful and devoted Catholic. She and Eduardo are members of St. Jerome Catholic Church in Waco, Texas. Elena was a member of the Ladies of Charity, Prayer Line, and she enjoyed volunteering with Caritas for over 10 years. Elena was a kindergarten teacher’s aide with Taylor Independent School District for 23 years.

Elena was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Fortunato Cruz.

Elena is survived by her husband, Eduardo; her brother, Florentino Cruz of Killeen; her sisters, Epolita Saucedo of Kyle, and Mary C Ybarra and husband Robert of Austin; her daughter, Delia DeVries and husband, John of Waco; her sons, Edward Contreras and wife, Teresa of Waco, and John Contreras and wife, Sherri of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Lisa Contreras, Laura Contreras, Cade Contreras, Conner Contreras, and Carson Contreras.