GRACIELA C. ARCE Our beloved mother, Graciela C. Arce passed away on December 28, 2011, with her family by her side. She was the daughter of Rodolfo and Eusebia Cantu, and was born and in Laredo, Texas. Laredo remained her home, through her final days. She was a graduate of Martin High School and Texas A & l Kingsville, and continued to pursue her love of learning. Mother graduated from Laredo State University with a Masters degree in Special Education and was certified for Special Education supervision in both elementary and secondary education. She touched many lives as an educator by serving in both the private and public sectors. For so many, she was "Mrs. Arce," their favorite teacher, whether at St. Peter's, or her beloved St. Augustine, her fond memories of the downtown campus filled her with continuous joy. For many others, she was known as Mrs. Arce the Special Ed teacher; a title she carried proudly. She had a mother's love for all her students but, held a special place in her heart for those with special needs. She volunteered hundreds of hours as a cheerleader sponsor, a tutor at Leyendecker Elementary School, and her favorite of all, the Special Olympics. She truly lived her profession, having given to it all her time, talent and love. She ended her chosen career as an educator and Special Education Supervisor with L.I.S.D until her retirement. She was fair, hardworking and always well respected by her peers. Although she was a great educator, her proudest accomplishments were her five children. She instilled the importance of education in her children seeing all of them graduate from college. She always bragged to anyone that would lend an ear about her three lawyers, nurse and teacher. There was much apprehension in all her children when report card day came around. This wasn't because she would yell or be upset, but because they knew she expected more. She drove all of her children to surpass even their own expectations. She was a mentor, a friend, a coach and most importantly a great mother. Her interests were many, she loved reading, gardening, socializing, shopping, and in her final days, her evenings were spent watching her favorite "novelas," surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was no stranger at the local gardening centers and was on a first name basis with every salesperson at her favorite shops. She devoted much of her energy as a caregiver to family members; she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and was giving of herself until the day of her passing. Graciela will never again be bound by a wheelchair, bed or ailment; she is now free from all suffering, free to journey with the angels. Graciela is survived by her husband, Jose Luis Arce; sons, Jose Luis (Rosie) Arce II, Ruben (Laura) Arce; daughters, Graciela (Timothy) Diaz, Adriana (Juan) Flores, Maricela (Hector) Vergara; brother Toribio Cantu, sister San Juanita Cantu,; and grandchildren, Timothy Jason Diaz, Christopher Diaz, Jacob Diaz, Joseph Diaz, Ramon Flores, Rebecca Flores, Jose Hector Vergara Ill, Luis Vergara, Marianna Vergara, Isabella Arce, Ruben Daniel Arce, step grandchildren Melissa Cortez and Claudia Flores. The family wishes to express sincerest gratitude to her patient and understanding doctors, nurses and her caregivers. A special thanks to La Esperanza Home Health. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 1, 2012 from 4 to 9 p.m. and a Vigil of the Deceased will be held at 7 p.m. in the Hernandez, Lopez and Sons Northside Chapels, 800 Boston St. at San Bernardo Ave. Funeral services will begin at 8 a.m. on Monday, January 2, 2011 departing from the funeral home chapel. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. at San Luis Rey Catholic Church. Committal services and interment will then follow in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.