Marina Fernandez, 77, of Port Isabel, Texas, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 8th, 2023 in Selma, Texas. She was surrounded by her loved ones. She was born to Juan Fernandez and Tomasa Zamora Fernandez on August 11th, 1945 in Port Isabel, Texas. She was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Port Isabel, Texas. Miss Fernandez was also one of the original court members of the Catholic Daughters of America Sister Court 2096. Marina graduated from Port Isabel High School in 1964 and began her career as a teacher aide with Point Isabel I.S.D., while pursuing a degree in elementary education at Texas Southmost College/ Pan American University at Edinburg, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975 and continued working in P.I.I.S.D. as an elementary bilingual education teacher for 35 years. Marina spent all of her 45 years making a difference in children’s lives at Garriga Elementary and Derry Elementary until her retirement in January 2010. Teaching was her passion, her life, and her love. She made all of her students feel equally love and cared for. She went above and beyond by facilitating a respectful and loving relationship with the parents and guardians. Nothing made Marina happier than when she would see children excited about a topic being discussed, wanting to learn more and seeing their eyes light up because they understood a subject, especially Mathematics. Not only did she devote her life to nurturing children as a master teacher, she lived her life giving of herself to others and her true gift of teaching was fulfilled in this life. Marina was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was the honorable “Tia Mina” named after goddaughter Johvonne. She loved reading novels, playing bingo, a true Tarpon and Dallas Cowboy fan, but most importantly loved spending time in any fashion with her nieces and nephews. Whether if it was going out to eat or shopping, Marina loved every minute of life with her loved ones. Marina was a devote Catholic and always encouraged her family to have God at the center of their lives. If she was not offering masses for loved ones, she was lighting candles for those that needed prayers. Her faith was a fortress and built Marina for a new season of caring. After retirement, she took on a new role of caregiving for her elderly sister Margarita and disabled brother Jose. She took on the weight of the world and in Aunt Mina fashion and full of faith; she never grew weary and always leaned not on her own understanding and left her woes at the foot of the cross. Marina loved with her heart on her sleeve and poured into her family and always gave gratitude for the little moments in life that meant the world to her. Marina will be greatly missed by many and her spirit and legacy will live on forever. She is preceded in death by her parents, Juan Fernandez and Tomasa Z. Fernandez; a brother, Manuel Fernandez; and sister, Aurora F. Garcia; favorite nephew and niece in laws, John Hernandez, and Starla Garcia. She is survived by her 2 brothers, Juan Fernandez, Jr., and Jose Fernandez; and sister Margarita Fernandez; nieces and nephews of whom she loved as her own: Catarina G. Hernandez (John+), Librado (Rita) Garcia, Jr., Isabel "Betty" (Ken) Jensen, Manuel (Irma) Garcia, Rolando (Patty) Garcia, and Jesus "Chuy" (Hilary) Garcia; and step-nieces Lupita Cruz and Antonia Cruz, step-nephews, Greg Cruz and Edgar Cruz. several great-nieces and great nephews; and a very special great niece/goddaughter, Johvonne H. Howard, whom she loved dearly and favorite nephew in law, Ken Jensen; and favorite great nephew, Sean Howard. Several great-great- nieces and nephews, especially Jayda and D'Anthony Howard whom she loved dearly. She was loved by so many and touched lives with her generous spirit, optimism, and kind heart. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Holy Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, Texas. Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 705 S Longoria St, Port Isabel, TX with interment to follow to Port Isabel City Cemetery in Port Isabel. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Manuel Garcia, Rolando Garcia, Adrian Garcia, Jesus Garcia, Jacob Garcia, and Edgar Cruz. The Fernandez, Garcia, Howard, and Jensen families would like to give gratitude to Compassion Hospice of San Antonio who provided excellent and loving care during the last few week of Marina's life. A very special thank you to Sister Janette A. Hernandez, MCDP of San Antonio for the gift of leading Marina into a spiritual place of peace. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Marina Fernandez at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematory, 395 S. Sam Houston, Blvd., San Benito, TX 78586.