Maria "Tina" Ernestina Vasquez

Our beloved Matriarch, Maria Ernestina Vasquez, lovingly known as Tina, 99, of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 surrounded by family.

Born in Joyce, Texas she was the eldest child to late Refugio Martinez and Paula Cisneros. She had many fond memories of growing up on a farm with many friends and family. She later moved to Minnesota with her late husband, Demencio Castillo Vasquez where she raised her family and became a fixture in her community. She will be forever remembered for her unconditional love, silliness, laughter, stories, songs, soul healing meals, and impeccable fashion sense. She will eternally hold a special place in the hearts of her family and friends. A Grandmother to everyone, she opened her home and heart to so many in her lifetime.

Tina was preceded in death by her sisters; Maria Esther, Maria Emma, Maria Eva and Maria Esperanza Martinez, brother, Adan Martinez, grandson Maurice Daniel Vasquez, and countless other friends and family members.

Tina is survived by her son, Demencio "Jesse" Vasquez (Mary), daughters; Sandra Alayon and Isabel "Bella" Heatherston, 13 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren, as well as many other family members and friends who will miss her every day.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 9th at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in St. Paul, Visitation from 9:30am to 11:00am. Mass will begin at 11:00am. A burial will follow at Fort Snelling National Cemetery and then the family invites you back to Our Lady of Guadalupe for a Luncheon.