Maria Theresa Aurora “Cookie” Ponce Mendez, 82, most affectionately known to family and friends simply as “Cookie”, peacefully departed on her final journey to eternal rest on February 24, 2025.

Cookie had a passionate and spiritual love for her family, friends, co-workers, and especially her roles within her church. She and her spouse, Alec Mendez, who preceded her in death, created a lasting legacy at Queen of Peace Catholic Parish in La Marque Texas. They were both involved with various activities enriching their faith and sharing with everyone. Cookie was a beacon in all activities including her participation as a lay minister and serving as a founding member of the Guadalupana Society, Alter Society, and the Ladies Guild, only to name a few.

Cookie was born and raised in Texas City, Texas, and called La Marque her home with her husband Alec since 1974 when they settled and built their forever home.  They were married for over 50 years before his passing in 2017. She attended Texas City Schools and was a long-time dedicated employee of St Mary’s Hospital in Galveston, working and directing within the Human Resources department and Shriners Hospital for Children. She took much pride in her work ethic and always went above and beyond, no matter what the task was at work or in life.

Her fun endeavors included many trips to Las Vegas and Louisiana. She never met a slot machine she didn’t like. Her cake booth at the church festivals was epic; as she could always be heard ringing her cowbell and shouting “Come win a cake for a quarter!”

Cookie was preceded in death by her parents, Ismael Marcos Ponce and Guadalupe Quevedo Ponce and is the last surviving sibling of her family: Ismael “Nip” Ponce, Raphael Ponce, Benjamin Ponce, Elias Manuel Ponce, Guadalupe Rodriguez, Annie Quintero, Maria del Carmen Ponce, Monica Balli, Barbara Farias and Jesse Ponce.

Cookie was also preceded in death by her loving daughter, Maria del Carmen Mendez-Boyle. She is survived by her sons: Alec Mendez, Jr. and Connie Woodring of Pennsylvania; Benjamin Mendez and wife Rosalia of Navasota; grandchildren: Fabian, Zachary, Alayna, Isabelle, Jonathan, Emily, Grace, and Aaron; great-grandchildren: Joshua and Santiago; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation and Vigil Service; Sunday March 2, 2025 5pm; Rosary 6:30pm; Vigil 7pm at Queen of Peace; La Marque, TX. Funeral Mass; Monday, March 3, 2025; Rosary 10:00 am; Mass 10:30 am Queen of Peace, La Marque, TX with Msgr James Anderson officiating.  Burial directly after Vigil at Mt Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Dickinson, TX; under the direction of Crowder Funeral Home, La Marque, TX

Special thanks to Allumine Health Hospice of College Station, the Queen of Peace Guadalupana Society, the Queen of Peace Ladies Guild, and KJT members in particular.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Queen of Peace Guadalupana Society or the Ladies Guild.