Mary Helen Rocha Nunez, affectionately known as “Nena,” “Maria,” and “Marie,” passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026, at the age of 83, with her beloved son, Joey, by her side.

Born on October 19, 1943, in Wharton, Texas, Mary was the daughter of Francisco Rangel Rocha Sr. and Encarnacion Rocha. She was a proud graduate of Ball High School’s Class of 1962 and carried her strong faith, compassion, and love for family throughout her life.

A devoted Catholic, Mary lived her faith through kindness, generosity, and service to others. She cherished her family and treasured the many lifelong friendships she cultivated over the years. She especially enjoyed spending time with her friendship group, taking casino trips, cruising, and gathering with loved ones to share laughter and create lasting memories. Her loving heart, strength, and unwavering devotion to those she cared about left an enduring impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Jose Nunez; her parents, Francisco Rangel Rocha Sr. and Encarnacion Rocha; and her brother, Frank Rocha Jr.

She leaves behind her loving son, James “Joey” Nunez; her siblings, Pete Rocha Sr., Rosie Lara, Dolores Rocha Ruiz, Alice Rocha, Paula Lugo, Gloria Rocha, Cristina Rocha, and Delia Rocha Jones; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mary’s life during a visitation on Monday, November 2, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Hitchcock, Texas. A meal and fellowship will immediately follow the Mass.

Interment will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Ricardo Lara, Thomas Nunez, Philip Jones, Claude Walton III, Peter Holland, and Justin Nunez.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Adrian Guajardo, Pete Rocha, Michael Cabrera, Robert Cabrera, and Paul Nunez.

Mary’s unwavering faith, loving heart, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed. Though she is no longer with us, the memories she created and the love she shared will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Cecilia and Scotty Eckenrode for their lifelong friendship, which began in childhood and remained a cherished blessing throughout Mary’s life. Special thanks are also extended to Rose Ann Jackson, Delia Rocha Jones, Monica Eckenrode, Pete and Holly Rocha, Philip and Mary Anne Jones, and Dolores Rocha Ruiz for their love, support, care, companionship, and countless acts of kindness shown to Mary and her family. Your friendship, devotion, and generosity will never be forgotten.

“Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.”