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SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – Elvira Colunga, age 94, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026. She was born on June 9, 1931, in San Antonio, Texas to Adelaida Hernandez Espinoza and Cirilo Espinoza. After graduating from Edgewood High School, Elvira worked in downtown San Antonio for several years. Elvira, her three sisters, and her cousins were active in the Nazarene church. She met her future husband, Romulo Colunga, at a church function and they wed on June 19, 1954. They celebrated 50 years of marriage with family and friends in 2004. She and Romulo moved to Somerset and soon had their first child, Elva, with Steve and then Miriam shortly after. They purchased a farm and Elvira quickly learned how to care for various farm animals while caring for her home and growing family. The youngest, Rene, followed several years later. Elvira was the consummate mother and a helpmate to Romulo as she took on every domestic role possible. She was an excellent seamstress and made the clothes for her children and for her. She learned how to garden, can fruits and vegetables, and helped maintain the house and farm animals. Elvira’s faith was very important to her, and she was active in her church teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and helping in whatever the church needed. As empty nesters, church and missions became the main outlet for Elvira and Romulo. They volunteered at the juvenile delinquent center in San Antonio and were active in The Gideons. Elvira is preceded in death by her husband, Romulo Colunga; her son, Stephen Colunga; and her son-in-law, Richard D. Relyea. Elvira is survived by her daughter, Elva C. Mattox (Dr. Joseph Mattox); Miriam Relyea; and Rene Colunga. She is also survived by her three grandchildren (Joseph Christopher Mattox, Benjamin Mattox, and Emelyn Relyea) as well as numerous nephews and nieces. The family would like to thank the amazing staff at The Cottages at Danny Kaye for the care, fun times, and compassion they shared during the several years that Elvira resided there. To the wonderful team at Reliant Hospice, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the excellent care you provided to Elvira at her time of need. A Celebration Service will be held at Brookehill Funeral Home (711 SE Military Dr, San Antonio, Texas 78214) on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with viewing to begin at 10:00 a.m. A procession will follow to Bluebonnet Cemetery in Somerset.

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Elvira Colunga

June 9, 1931 - May 23, 2026