Maria Sulema

Betancourt

Always in Our Hearts. In Love and Remembrance Of

Maria "Mary" Sulema "Sulie" Betancourt

October 19, 1961 – March 19, 2026

Maria "Mary" Sulema Betancourt, 64, was called home on March 19, 2026, while resting at Sunshine Haven in Olmito, Texas, surrounded by those who loved her most. She leaves behind a legacy of love as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and dear friend.

Mary was born on October 19, 1961, in San Benito, TX to Juan Betancourt and Francisca Bustos.

A proud lifelong resident of the Rio Grande Valley, Mary found joy in both the simple and spirited moments of life. She was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and San Antonio Spurs, always ready to support her teams. She loved spending time at Harlingen Market Days, every first Saturday of the month, where she could walk, browse, and enjoy the day alongside family and friends. In quieter moments, Mary found joy in crossword puzzles, reading, music, and catching up with friends and distant relatives. Nothing brought her to life quite like dancing. Her sister Frances' themed parties were occasions she always looked forward to. At her core, Mary was a woman who just enjoyed joking around, laughter, and spending time with the people she loved – trademarks of her lively spirit that will carry on for eternity.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Frank Bustos and Enrique Bustos, and sister, Teresita "Terry" Vidal.

Mary leaves her loving family to cherish her beautiful memory, her children, Shannon Nuñez, Julisa McCoy (Bastien Brisson), Melanie Bates, Frances Bates and Richmon Bates; grandchildren, Clarissa Nunez, Allison Bates, and Liam Bates; siblings, Trini Alvarez, Juan Lozano, David Bustos, Corrie Chapman, Tony Betancourt, Henry Betancourt, Rick Betancourt, and Frances Garcia, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the prayer of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Funeral Chapel of the Holy Spirit.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Funeral Chapel with Father Horacio Chavarria as celebrant.

Interment will immediately follow to Ashland Memorial Park Cemetery in Harlingen, Texas.

Honored to serve as her pallbearers will be Richmon Bates, Carlos Betancourt, Henry Betancourt, Kris Betancourt, Tony Betancourt, and Bastien Brisson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Lozano and Eli Betancourt.

With profound love and remembrance, the family of Maria Sulema Betancourt have entrusted her funeral arrangements to Lenny Elizondo, funeral director/owner of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home, 1002 East Harrison Ave., Harlingen, Texas 78550. For information, please call (956) 364-2444 or visit www.trinityfunerals.com