Maria Luisa Camba

Maria Luisa Camba, 93, passed away April 5, 2023, in Granbury with her husband of 65 years by her side. She was born November 24, 1929 in Havana, Cuba to Jose and Maria Luisa Vargas. She married the love of her life, Javier Camba Jr., in Havana on October 27, 1957.

Mary and Javier immigrated to the United States in 1967 with their young son to Miami, then eventually made their way to Houston where they built a life and planted roots. A long-time employee in the airline industry, Javier would travel for work and Mary would join him when able. They enjoyed the many cities and countries they visited together along the way. As a proud Texan and fan of baseball, Mary faithfully cheered for the Astros for decades through all their ups and downs. After Hurricane Harvey, Mary and Javier relocated to Cresson. They loved having family right down the road, deer and turkeys in the backyard, springtime wildflowers, and the lower humidity of North Texas. Mary was a skilled cook and took time to pass down family recipes of Cuban dishes to all who wandered into the kitchen. When in doubt, add more mojo criollo or some lemon pepper!

The Cambas were dedicated members of St. James Catholic Church in Spring, Texas for 46 years. They volunteered in the church office, taught youth classes, and attended a morning prayer & breakfast group. With a loving and long-standing marriage of their own, they were passionate about setting up future couples to have the same. Mary and Javier served many years as premarital counselors for their church, preparing engaged couples for marriage. They enjoyed keeping in touch with those they had counseled and seeing their families grow.

Mary was a skilled crafter in a variety of mediums. Much of the decor in her home was made by her, ranging from curtains and bedspreads, to painted ceramic pieces, to art hangings, and seasonal decor. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and her home reflected her joy of the season. Around Thanksgiving each year intricate stockings, glittery angels, colorful trees, poinsettia arrangements, twinkly lights and delicate snowy village displays would make their way into the living area of her home to the delight of her grandchildren. Many of her friends and family members also have decor that she made for them adorning their tree or mantle each Christmas season.

Mary is survived by her husband, Javier Jr; her son and daughter-in-love, Javier III and Denise; her granddaughter and grandson-in love, Sarah and Nick Lynn; grandson, Javier IV; and great-granddaughter, Eliza Lynn. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Bobbie Smith for her excellent and tender care of Mary over the past year.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023.Viewing will be from noon-1pm at Wiley Funeral Home, 40 E US Hwy 377, Granbury, TX 76048. A graveside service will be held at 2pm at the Acton Cemetery, which is just past Acton Baptist Church, 3500 Fall Creek Hwy, Granbury, TX 76049. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bear Creek Community Church Building Fund, 18600 US 377, Cresson, TX 76035 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.