OBITUARY
Maria Esther Najera
APRIL 4, 1935 – JUNE 23, 2021
Maria Esther Najera, born April 4th, 1935, was called home by the Lord on June 23rd, 2021.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Gilberto Najera, parents Miguel & Maria Gomez; daughter Linda Najera; brothers Paul, Miguel Jr, Adolph, and Arturo Gomez; Sisters Chonita Martinez, Herminia Gomez, Maria Evagelina Gomez, Trini Padilla, Natividad Esparza, Carmen Ybarra, Esperanza Gomez, and Gloria Caudillo.
Esther as known by family and friends was a devoted Catholic. She was born in Dallas and grew up on Carlisle Street known as Uptown today. She attended Cumberland and Travis Elementary. She later quit school to work at Titches Department Store as an elevator operator. Later as a young teen modeled for Titches portrait studio. After her children were in school, she worked as a binder for Storm Publishing Company. She also was a caregiver, first caring for her mother then her sister and later her father-in-law.
Mom enjoyed being with her family and cooking all the traditional Mexican dishes she learned from her sister Chonita and mother-in-law. She mostly enjoyed Christmas time when all her sisters would gather around the table to make tamales while gossiping, telling stories, or quacking jokes. In the summer of 1955, mom met Gilbert, the love of her life. They were married on December 31st, 1955. She loved dancing, cooking out, crocheting, sewing, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Mom and Dad always had an open-door policy if anyone needed help or a place to stay, they were more than happy to help. Mom had a compassion for people in need, caring for others who needed help whether if was losing a loved one or nursing someone back on their feet or going through personal troubles. One thing for sure even though she had a caring heart you did not get on her bad side because the Gomez women were strong minded and would let you know it. Mom had a special love all her nephews and nieces. She was proud to be a grandma and even more excited to be a great grandma. She enjoyed watching her grandsons and granddaughters play sports or playing music on or off the field with the band.
Esther is survived by Children Cynthia Navarro (d. Ruben), Paul Rene Najera (Lynne), Rosa Najera, Maria Lopez (Thomas). Grandchildren Victoria Gaines, Stephen Gaines (Bonnie Abbott), Gilbert Najera, Michael Lopez (Belinda), Adam Lopez, Matthew Najera, Nicholas Navarro, Anthony Lopez (Sarah), Sheridan Najera and Katharine Navarro. Great grandchildren Grayson Lopez and Tobias Navarro. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Public viewing will be held Tuesday June 29th from 4:00-8:00 pm and Rosary at 7:00 pm at Sparkman-Crane Funeral home, 10501 Garland Rd, Dallas TX. Catholic mass will be celebrated at 12:00 pm Wednesday, June 30th at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 9643 Ferndale Rd. Dallas TX. Burial to follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, TX.
Pallbearers are Thomas Lopez, Stephen Gaines, Gilbert Najera, Michael Lopez, Adam Lopez, Matthew Najera, Nicholas Navarro and Anthony Lopez.
Services
Visitation
June 29, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
SPARKMAN-CRANE FUNERAL HOME
10501 Garland Road
Dallas, TX
Rosary
June 29, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
SPARKMAN-CRANE FUNERAL HOME
10501 Garland Road
Dallas, TX
Funeral Mass
June 30, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH
9643 Ferndale Rd
Dallas, TX
Interment
June 30, 1:30 pm
CALVARY HILL CEMETERY
3235 Lombardy Ln
Dallas, TX
