Maria Elena

Guerrero

Maria Elena Guerrero, of Rangerville Road, peacefully entered into eternal rest with the Lord on November 7, 2022. Born October 9, 1928, in San Benito, Texas, Maria Elena was also known as "Mary Helen" or "Nena". She had a promising career with K-Sox in 1951 as a Spanish radio announcer. She hosted a radio show and a television show delivering the news, interviewing personalities and playing music. She translated all advertisements into Spanish to be aired also! As a radio and TV announcer, she met every qualification, especially her Voice! Could she ever sing! With her great power and control throughout, she was often asked to sing at parties and special occasions. Her favorite songs were "Alma Mia", "Smile", "Young at Heart, "I'll be seeing you" and "La Barca de Oro".

Her program was called "Maria Elena" and she continued her career when KGBS/KGBT bought K-Sox in 1953. She worked alongside Martin Rosales, Jesus "Chuy" Lopez de Leon, Pepe Acosta, and Ruben Benavidez to name a few. One of her most memorable moments was in 1969 when she was recognized by the President of Mexico for having broadcast in Spanish the Moon Landing verbatim. During Charro Days she would interview "Mr. Amigo" each year. She also had the honor and pleasure of interviewing Cantinflas, Emilio "El Indio" Fernandez, Jose Jose, Vicente Fernandez, Raul Velasco, Pedro Vargas and Armando Manzanero to name a few.

Maria Elena was a charter member of the Catholic Daughters of America, the Chapparal Society, the Garden Club and was also a member of the International Goodwill Neighborhood Council (IGNC) where she traveled internationally. She loved sports, especially baseball, for after an interview with Mickey Mantle, she promised to root for the Yankees and he promised to learn to speak Spanish. She was an Astros fan too and cheered them on in the World Series! Maria Elena also dipped into politics and ran for City Commissioner in 1967. She lost her bid by a single vote, but lived a fruitful life nevertheless!

Preceding her in death were her loving parents, F.G. and Cenobia Cantu Guerrero, her sisters, Concepcion "Connie" Mullens, Maria Eloisa "Locha" Arizpe, Maria Elvira "Betty" Romer (Charles) and her brothers Jose Julian "Joe" Guerrero (+Iola), Felipe G. "Tito" Guerrero (+Anne) and Alberto "Albert" Guerrero (+Ernestine). Left to cherish her memories are her sister, Dora Maria Schultz (+Gordon), her nephew Ronald "Ron" Sandate plus numerous other nephews and nieces, and other extended family.

Sincere thanks for your thoughts and prayers as she shall remain "Forever in our Hearts".

Officiating a funeral service will be Father Horacio Echeverria. Assisting in the service will be members of the Catholic Daughters of America (CDA). The service will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home, 1002 E. Harrison, Harlingen, Texas. The service will be directed by owner/director Freddy Elizondo and the burial will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Catholic Daughters of America or the charity of your choice.