Mary Stringham

Mary Elizabeth Stringham, known to her family and friends as Chobie, passed away at her home in Portland Texas on December 10, 2020 at the age of 88 years.

She was born on November 5, 1932, in Nursery, Texas to Frank Reginald and Mary Louise (DeLeon) Villafranca. She married Stanley Clayton Stringham on August 12, 1950 in Port Lavaca, Texas.  Her husband’s service in the Navy gave her the opportunity to make homes in many places including Sasebo Japan, and San Diego, California, eventually settling in Portland,Texas in 1971.

She was an energetic and enthusiastic homemaker and member of her church and community. Her years in Portland were busy and productive. Her activities led to strong friendships which were blessings in her life.

At her church home, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, she was a Catholic Daughter and member of Guadalupanas, taught adult education, English with the Literacy Council, volunteered weekly in the chapel, and was on the prayer chain. One of the highlights of her life was traveling to see the Vatican with her church family.

In her community, she was a member of Daughters of the Texas Republic, the ChatWork Civic Club, involved in the Camp Fire Girls of America, and a member of a close-knit bridge group.

Chobie’s kitchen was always open to her family and friends and she expressed her love by making and serving wonderful meals and treats. She delighted in quilting and sewing and sharing her projects with others.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Stanley, her children, Dale, David (Cynthia), and Robin (Richard) Squaglia,her grandchildren Matt and Jaycee, and great grandchildren Utah, Olive, and Zeke, sister Bessie Peterson, her many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends, and her church family at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

She was predeceased by her parents, son Daniel, daughter-in-law Sherris, and brothers, Leon and Jasper Cuellar, and Frankand Louis Villafranca.

A private Funeral Mass will be celebrated, and she will be buried at Palms cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 1008 Austin Street, Portland, TX 78374, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.