Maria Valentin Fernandez, 92 years old, of La Marque, TX was called home by our Lord on Sunday, May 8, 2016. She was a loving and compassionate woman whose greatest treasures were faith and family.   Orphaned at two years old, Maria thought of the Blessed Virgin Mary as her own mother throughout her life. She had two loving sisters, Jennie Lippold and Emma Perez, whom she adored and with whom she shared many beautiful memories. She married Rudy Fernandez, the love of her life, on November 22, 1947. His family became her own and they loved her greatly. During her 51 years as a parishioner at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, she served as a Guadalapana, CCE teacher, and Minister of Communion to nursing home residents. She especially loved going to 11:00 a.m. mass to hear Mrs. Macrini sing.    Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Rudy, and her sister, Emma Perez of Brownsville, TX. She is survived by her sister Jennie Lippold of Galveston, TX; her sister-in-law, Minerva Nerios of League City, TX; her son, Rudy Fernandez, Jr. of Grapevine, TX and his wife, Vicki; her daughter,  Laura Fernandez of Sugar Land, TX; and her son, David Fernandez of Long Beach, CA. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Suzanna Ice, Matthew Fernandez, Jacquelyn Padgett, and Michael Rogers; two great grandchildren (twins), Collin and Caleb Ice; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.    A Funeral Service will be held at Queen of Peace Catholic Church (1200 Laurel St., La Marque, TX 77568) on Friday, May 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. with Father Chacko Puthumayil officiating.    Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Dickinson, TX. Arrangements are under the direction of the James Crowder Funeral Home in La Marque, TX.   Pallbearers will be her sons and grandsons Rudy Fernandez, Jr, David Fernandez, Matthew Fernandez and Michael Rogers.   Although she is deeply missed, her family and friends find comfort in knowing she is in the arms of our Lord and her loving husband.