Joaquina A. Padilla, age 92, passed away peacefully with her family by her side April 30, 2023. Born in Aramberri, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, she immigrated to the United States with her family as a teenager to work as a field hand with her father and siblings. In 1952, she married her life-long partner, Rogerio Padilla, who proceeded her in death in December 2019. Sra. Padilla was the matriarch to many, and a figurehead in the San Benito community throughout her life. Nothing gave her greater joy throughout the years than caring for her children, grandchildren, and anyone else that came to her doorstep. Although she spent the majority of her life as a homemaker, she took on countless seamstress and cleaning jobs to do what she could to supplement the income from the family radiator shop. In all reality, she was the engine that kept it running for over 40 years. Mrs. Padilla is survived by her sister Ernestina Suarez (Esteban); 3 sons Alfredo (Anita), Alberto (Llewelyn), Arnoldo; and daughter Alicia; plus many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Arturo, who passed away unexpectedly in September 2019, and several siblings. Sra. Padilla was best known for her love of San Benito Greyhound and Dallas Cowboy football, and her ability to make friends everywhere she went. She cherished each of these friendships dearly and never forgot a single one. Not a day went by that she didn’t find a memory or story to share with anyone who would listen. She was the most giving woman that most people had ever met, whether with food and clothing for the indigent, her time and labor, or simply her love. Her life was a living example of the Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 – “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving to one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Visitation will be held Friday, May 5, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, TX. A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Las Yescas Cemetery. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Jonathan E. Padilla, Travis J. Bye, Forrest C. Bye, Sumner J. Bye, Zachery W. Young, and Omar Benavidez. Honorary Pall Bearers: Alfredo Padilla, Alberto Padilla, and Arnoldo Padilla. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Joaquina A. Padilla 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.