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Maria Elia “Mary” Luna Arratia, a life-long resident of San Antonio, died Tuesday, April 30, 2019, with her family by her side. Born September 9, 1929 to Gaspar and Ofelia Gongora, Mary was one of eleven children. Being the fifth child, she was taught at a young age how to work hard, self-advocate and strive for the best. On Feb. 16, 1947, Mary wed Joseph M. Luna at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Mary and Joe raised six children during their 34 years of marriage, all of whom were Catholic-school educated. After a brief illness, Joe passed away on Dec. 4, 1981. The Luna Family remained active parishioners of St. James Catholic Church for more than 21years, before moving and joining St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. Mary was an ambitious business woman. After 18 years of being a stay-at-home mother, she worked at Kelly-Scherrer Flower Shop where she learned the skills of floral design. After purchasing a commercial building on Nogalitos, Mary opened Moon Flower Shop (later known as Luna Flower Shop) in February 1969. She enjoyed 20 years of serving the floral needs of San Antonio. During this time, she also received her cosmetology license and opened a hair salon in the Nogalitos building. Mary taught herself how to invest in real estate, owning properties throughout the city. She loved good food and dancing, pink and red roses, holding her grandchildren and great-grand babies, and loved to make people laugh. Before Joe’s passing, he and Mary traveled throughout the US and in Mexico and had a very active social life. She served as an officer of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary and was an avid member of numerous bunco clubs for more than 60 years. In July 1990, she married Ramon Arratia, Jr. During their 18 years of marriage, Ramon and Mary enjoyed life to the fullest. Ramon knew how to make her happy through dancing, shopping and gardening. In 1998, Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer. After surgery and treatment, Mary was determined to regain her strength and good health. She bounced back quickly and her cancer never returned. Having endured great loss throughout her life, Mary persevered despite the pain. Her strength, tenacity, courage and love of family will live on through her children and their families. Mary’s home was always open to those who needed a warm bed and a hot meal. Many lively, unforgettable stories were told around her kitchen table. Her contagious laugh and quick wit will be deeply missed. Mary’s family is comforted in knowing that she saw her angels and welcomed their heavenly embrace. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joe Luna, her beloved daughter, Jacqueline M. Luna, her second husband, Ramon Arratia, Jr., four sisters and one brother. Mary is survived by her four daughters, Christine Luna Gonzalez, Rebecca Luna Galindo (Daniel), Loretta Luna Charles (Paul) and Geraldine Luna Wilson (Chuck), son, Stephen E. Luna, stepson, Ferdinand Luna (Pat), and stepdaughter, Monica Arratia; 14 grandchildren, Mark Luna, Kenny Luna, Adriana Gonzalez, Andres Gonzalez, Omar Gonzalez, Regina Galindo Carter, Gregory Galindo, Matthew Galindo, Christopher Charles, Joshua Charles, Bradley Luna Wilson, Jacqueline Wilson, David Clark and Jason Luna; and 15 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Alicia Perez, Lupe Garcia, Olga McLain, Gaspar Gongora, Jr. and Roger Gongora. She will be loved and missed by her family and all who knew her. Mission Park, Funeral Chapels North, has been entrusted with arrangements. Funeral and burial services are private. Mary will be laid to rest at San Fernando Cemetery. A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, May 17 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 10703 Wurzbach Rd., at 1:30 p.m.

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Mary Luna Arratia

September 9, 1929 - April 30, 2019