Cruz T. Verastiqui

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Cruz T. Verastiqui, who departed this life peacefully on June 15, 2025. She was a loving, giving, and fiercely independent woman whose unwavering positivity and strength were a light to everyone who knew her.  Born on November 24, 1932, in Pearsall, Texas, Cruz was the daughter of Fernando Trevino and Ramona (Ramirez) Trevino. She lived a life rich with love and resilience that touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

A proud mother and cherished grandmother, she dedicated her life to her family and to the service of others. For over 30 years, she worked as a store manager at Maverick Market Stores in Corpus Christi, TX., where her leadership and warmth touched countless lives. After retiring, she returned to her hometown of Pearsall, Texas, where she continued her life of service by volunteering at the Frio County Food Bank. She was a woman of many talents. Her hands were always busy sewing, and her heart always full of love—each of her grandchildren received a handmade quilt, stitched with care and memories that we now hold close to our hearts. She came from a long line of amazing cooks, and she continued that legacy with her famous tamales, homemade tortillas, and her unforgettable pan de polvo cookies that truly melted in your mouth.

Her love extended far beyond the kitchen. She offered her time, talents, and wisdom to anyone in need, always with a smile and an open heart. Her deep faith as a devoted Catholic was a guiding light in her life, and her inspiring spirit lifted all those around her. An adventurer at heart, she never passed up the chance to travel. Whether it was Las Vegas or another beautiful destination, she embraced life fully and joyfully, creating lasting memories with her family and friends. She will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren, extended family, and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. Her legacy of love, strength, and generosity will live on in each of us. We take comfort in knowing she is now resting peacefully, surrounded by light and love.

Cruz was also a loving mother to five children: Ricardo (Alamar) Verastiqui, Robert Verastiqui, Rene (Irene) Verastiqui, and Elsie (Daniel) DeRusse. She was preceded in death by Bernardino “Nino” Verastiqui with whom she shared many years and a family.

Her legacy lives on through an expansive family tree that includes 21 grandchildren—Julia Garza; Shirley Verastiqui; Kathy Constante; Robert Verastiqui; Daniel Verastiqui; Mark Verastiqui; Leila Verastiqui; Reagina Gallegos; Erica Gonzalez; Rene Jr.; Veronica Verastiqui; Tracie Reyes; Rudy Gonzalez; Derrick Gonzalez; Daniella Verastiqui; Gabriella Verastiqui; Yolanda Briseno; Amy Davila; Lazette Selby; Jessica Garcia, Sara DeRusse and Kaylyn Recio—alongside their respective families which have blessed Cruz with an astounding total of 46 great-grandchildren and another generation comprising 21 great-great-grandchildren.

Cruz is survived by two siblings: Nicolas (Minerva) Trevino and Carolina "Caro" Dominguez. She will be deeply missed not only by them but also by all those whose lives she enriched throughout her journey.

Preceded in death by both parents as well as one son—Ramiro Verastique—and several siblings including Fernando Trevino Jr., Maria Ellena “Yuca” Hawley, Manuel “Meme” Trevino, Jose “Chino” Trevino, Amado Trevino Sr., Marcos Trevino—the loss leaves behind echoes of memories filled with love shared among family gatherings filled with laughter around tables laden with food lovingly prepared by Cruz herself.

As we remember this remarkable woman who embodied grace under pressure while spreading joy wherever she went—we celebrate not just what she accomplished during her lifetime but how profoundly she impacted our hearts forevermore. May we carry forward the lessons learned from Cruz's kindness—a testament to living fully even amidst life's challenges—and honor her memory through acts of compassion towards others just as she did so effortlessly throughout hers.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Enhabit Home Health for their compassionate care, with a deep gratitude to Klaire for the kindness and dedication she showed to our mother and grandmother.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Trevino Royal Oaks Funeral Chapels from 3pm-9pm with a rosary recited at 7pm. Funeral mass for Cruz will be celebrated on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 10am. Interment will follow at the Pearsall Catholic Cemetery Westside.