Mother Maria Elva Reyes

Mother Maria Elva Reyes, a Pax Christi Sister at the age of 79, was called by our Heavenly Father on Friday, May 15, 2026 in Corpus Christi, TX. Our Dear Mother Maria Elva has gone to be with Jesus in the heavenly glory after a beautiful service to the Lord. Her life was a testament to faith lived fully, love given freely and service carried out with humility. We are deeply grateful for the years of devotion, sacrifice and love that she poured into her vocation.

Mother Maria Elva Reyes was born on February 17, 1947 in Jalisco, Mexico. She was the daughter of Pedro Reyes and Guadalupe Larios. She spent her early years in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas learning English. In May of 1975, she received her degree of Bachelor of Arts from Sam Houston State University and in May of 1978 she received a Masters of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. Also, she received her Masters Degree in Theological Studies from Oblate School of Theology in 1981, and in 2002 she received her Doctoral Degree in Theology. 

She felt a strong desire to serve God and entered the convent at the age of 15. She became a member of the Pax Christi Institute since its founding in July of 1969. Mother Maria Elva, during her early years in Religious Life, served the poor and neediest in an orphanage in Laredo, Texas and as Executive Director of the Pax Christi Residence for Girls in Corpus Christi, Texas. Also, she authored, developed and implemented an Assessment and Placement Program for Cuban Refugees in Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas. While in Mexico, she was the Director of “Caritas Diocesanas” and performed evangelization ministry and pastoral work in Queretaro. Upon returning to the United States, she became adjunct professor at Incarnate Word University in San Antonio, Texas where she taught Theology and Liturgy courses. Additionally, she was a Mistress of Novices, and served her own Pax Christi Sisters by fulfilling the role of Mother Superior. She also fulfilled our Mother Foundress’ vision in building the Pax Christi Chapel and Liturgical Retreat Center so that the Pax Christi Sisters can continue serving the People of God by sharing their charism and spirituality, fostering in others a personal encounter with God, and experiencing the Peace of Christ by living a life of oneness with our Lord.

Mother Maria Elva was a very joyful, humble, caring and loving person, and she always had a smile on her face. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist, and the long hours she spent in adoration before the tabernacle, were the heart of her prayer life and contemplation. She burned with tender love for the Lord and our Blessed Mother Mary and lived solely for the service of God’s Kingdom. She prayed constantly for the souls in purgatory. She gave us a great example of fortitude and perseverance in the face of illness and difficult times in life, while always remaining calm and conveying a deep sense of peace. These struggles did not prevent her from expressing her deep love for God, her Divine Spouse, and her love and Peace for each one of her Pax Christi Sisters.

She will be dearly missed in our Pax Christi Community, and by so many other people whose life she touched, but her memories, her laughter and joy, and the love for her Pax Christi Sisters will remain in our hearts. May she rest in Peace!

Mother Maria Elva is preceded in death by her mother Guadalupe Larios and her father Pedro Reyes, and her brothers and sisters Beatrice, Elvira, Guillermo and Alfredo Reyes Larios.

She is survived by her sisters Sara, Graciela (Chela), Maria Esther, and her brothers Pedro and Agustin Reyes, and many other nieces and nephews in the USA and Mexico.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Pax Christi Sisters’ Chapel, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. that same evening.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Pax Christi Sisters’ Chapel.

Interment will follow at Seaside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pax Christi Sisters.

The Pax Christi Sisters wish to extend their gratitude and thanks to so many who have shown such warmth and love throughout the years, especially to those who tended to Mother Maria Elva’s illness, such as doctors and nurses, particularly, Dr. Roger Sifuentes and Imelda Chapa. Thank you for the many outpouring expressions of sympathy, acts of kindness, prayers and spiritual support and thoughts during this difficult time for the Sisters. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated.

Thank you and May God Bless You and Your families,