Maria Luisa "Licha" Galvan

TEXAS CITY - Maria Luisa Galvan, lovingly known as Licha, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 89 on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025, surrounded by her children. Licha was born on May 5th, 1936, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas and became a U.S. citizen June 29th, 1987. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. She was known for her infectious laugh, love of dancing, traveling, and cruising. In her younger days, Licha had a laugh that would wake up the neighborhood. She had a way about her that would make everyone around her smile. She especially made her first husband smile, Raul Guerrero, Sr. He was a musician, and she loved to dance from a very young age. They both loved music and would go to dancing contests and would win regularly. They fell in love and had seven children. They were married two decades. Licha worked hard all her life, and she dedicated 25 years of service to Mainland Center Hospital where she met Pete Galvan, Sr. They were married for thirty years. Both were very active at 5400 VFW Hall in Sante Fe, Texas. He was Commander and she was President of Ladies Auxiliary for many years. Pete also loved to dance. Pete and Licha danced at the VFW Hall every Friday night for decades. Pete was a World War II veteran. Because of her love for him, she devoted her time to helping veterans. She would volunteer to visit veterans at the nursing homes in Sante Fe and the VA Hospital in Houston. She would always take games to make the veterans happy and would take gifts for the elderly and the sick. Licha used to go to Bush Airport to welcome soldiers home after they completed their tours. She dedicated countless hours to community activities. Licha loved to travel. She and Pete went on adventures to 40 states during their retirement years. After Pete passed, Licha continued her travel adventures but this time with her daughters and friends on cruise ships. She loved cruises because she could dance while she was traveling. That combination made her feel young and full of life. Licha will be remembered with deep love and will always live in the hearts of those who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Angelita Castillo Contreras; father, Roberto Sendeja; husbands, Raul Guerrero, Sr. and Pete Galvan, Sr.; her brother, Rogelio Castillo; son-in-law, Ben Hernandez; stepsons, Joe Galvan, Pete Galvan, Jr.; and stepdaughter, Elva Medrano.

Survivors include her sister, Yolanda Reyna; daughters, Delia Faust and husband, Dan, Dr. Belinda Escamilla and husband, Peter, Hilda Guerrero, Mary Sue Hernandez, Mary Lou Gonzalez and husband, Noe, Norma Potts and husband, Danny; son, Raul Guerrero, Jr; stepdaughters, Angie “Helen” Gomez and Mary Perez; stepsons, Robert Galvan and Johnny Galvan; 24 grandchildren; 62 great grandchildren; and 28 great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 6 - 7 p.m. Monday, September 8, 2025, at Hayes Funeral Home, 10412 Highway 6, (409) 925-3501, with a Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary to follow.

Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, September 9th at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ernest Garza, Jr., Peter Aaron Escamilla, Richard Galicia, Jr., Benito Hernandez, Jr., Dr. Lance Wilson and Julian Ramirez, Jr.

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