It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Estela Mata Martinez, Tachi, as her family called her, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who left us on August 25, 2026. Estela was born on September 17, 1955 in Eagle Pass, Texas, a place she cherished throughout most of her life.Estela was the cherished daughter of the late Juan Francisco and Virginia Mata, whose loving memories she carried with her always. She was predeceased by her parents, but their legacy lived on through her unwavering faith and dedication to family.Estela was the beloved wife of Gudelio, her devoted partner of 31 years. Together, they created a loving home in Georgetown, Texas filled with laughter and warmth. Recently, they fulfilled a life long dream of living in the country, by moving into a home near Canyon Lake. She was a proud mother to her two daughters, Erika Ramirez Vielma, Heather Valdez, and a loving son-in-law, Carlos Valdez. Her heart overflowed with pride for her four grandchildren: RJ and Amelie Vielma, and Gael and Ari Valdez, whom she adored beyond words. Raised in a close-knit family, Estela was one of six siblings. Her brothers, Ramon and Juan Francisco, and her sisters, Soyla, Rosa, and Maggie, along with her many nieces and nephews, which were an integral part of her life. Her strong ties to her family were a testament to her deep-rooted traditional values and her Mexican heritage.Estela was a woman of many talents and passions. After attending Eagle Pass High School, she pursued her love for child development, which led her to a fulfilling teaching career at Redeemer Episcopal School. She later served as a teacher's aide at Annie Purl Elementary, touching the lives of countless children until her retirement in 2020.Her garden was her sanctuary, a passion she shared with her late mother, and where she spent her final moments, accompanied by her precious dog, Lola. Estela also delighted in decorating her home for every holiday, filling it with the scents and warmth of seasonal candles.Though a quiet person by nature, Estela's love for her family was vibrant and boundless. She often spoke with pride about her grandchildren's accomplishments and her daughters' successes. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her through both joy and sorrow.The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice, in memory of Estela's generous spirit.In the words of her family, "Those we love do not go away, they walk beside us every day... unseen, unheard but always near and still loved.