Maria "Chave" Isabel Fernandez

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the family of Maria Isabel Villanueva de Fernandez and Maria Isabel Fernandez announce their sudden passing on Saturday, May 2, 2026. While their lives were taken too soon, they left this world together, as they lived, bound by an inseparable love.

Maria Isabel Villanueva de Fernandez, 78, was a devoted mother and a beacon of strength in her family and community. She was born on November 5, 1947, in San Luis Potosí, Mexico to Casiano Villanueva and Maria Cortez de Villanueva.

Maria “Chave” Isabel Fernandez, 52, was a vibrant light, cherished for her radiant smile and genuine care for her family and friends. She was born on February 8, 1974, in Chicago, Illinois, to Jose Maria Fernandez and Maria Isabel Villanueva de Fernandez.

Mother and daughter shared an unbreakable bond, rarely seen apart, and they shared a deep love for playing Bingo, going to garage sales and going to the casino. Their lives were an example of kindness and devotion that touched many. Nothing brought more joy to their lives than their family.

Preceding Maria in death are her parents, Casiano and Maria Villanueva; son, Junior Fernandez; five brothers, Jose Villanueva, Simon Villanueva, Pedro Villanueva, Marcy Villanueva, Robert Villanueva; and sister, Juanna Villanueva.

Preceding Chave in death is her brother, Junior Fernandez.

They are lovingly remembered by their husband/father, Jose Fernandez; sons/brothers, Marcos Fernandez and wife Debbie of Oklahoma, Freddy Fernandez and wife Kandi of Borger, Arron Fernandez and wife Liz of Amarillo, Frank Fernandez and wife Amy of Borger; daughters/sisters, Hope Renteria and husband Rudy of Amarillo, Laura Hernandez and husband Oscar of Borger.

Maria is also survived by twenty-eight grandchildren; thirty-five great grandchildren; daughter-in-love, Stacie Fernandez; brothers, Armando Villanueva, Ricardo Villanueva; sister, Alice Nunez of Borger; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family.

Chave is also survived by her daughter, Vanessa Fernandez and husband Adam Rico; son, Antonio Fernandez; grandchildren, Isaac Fernandez, Adalynn Fernandez, Wyatt Rico; daughter-in-love, Xochilt Dena; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and friends.

A joint celebration of life service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Grace Church, 401 Gardner St., Borger, Texas, 79007. A Memorial Mass will be held for Chave and her Mom at 11 am on Friday, May 22, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Westlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger.