Sr. Maria del Pino de la Inmaculada Ortega Lanza, STJ was called home on October 4, 2023.  After more than 97 years of life she was ready to meet Jesus face to face and in these last months of her life, as she waited for Jesus to finish preparing her dwelling place, she exhibited a peace and acceptance that can only come from God.  We are certain that her beloved Blessed Mother accompanied her on her final journey.

Sr. Pino was born on January 19, 1926 in Havana, Cuba, the fourth child of Juan Ortega and Cristina Lanza. She had 4 brothers and 1 sister all of whom preceded her in death.

Sr. Pino entered the Society of St. Teresa of Jesus on November 27, 1952 in San Antonio, TX.  She professed her first vows on June 6, 1955 and her perpetual profession on June 6, 1960.

During her years in ministry Sr. Pino served as a teacher, primarily of Mathematics and Science, at schools in Nicaragua and Cuba and at St. Teresa's Academy and Henry de Osso School in San Antonio, as well as several schools in Louisiana. After receiving her license as a counselor, she taught in various public schools in San Antonio including Wrenn Public School and Edgewood High School.  From 1993- 2011 she was the school counselor at St. Leo's Elementary School in San Antonio.  After many years of service, Sr. Pino retired in 2011, and in 2013 she moved into St. Francis Nursing Home where she received outstanding care and attention from the sisters and staff during these last 10 years.

Even in her retirement, Sr. Pino kept busy helping various families that came to visit her.  She had a great love for the Blessed Mother, with great devotion to the rosary.  For many years she made rosaries and taught others how to make rosaries.  It was only within the last year when her eyesight became worse that she gave up this special ministry.

We will remember Sr. Pino for her strong character, her love of St. Teresa and the Blessed Mother, and her love for reciting poetry which she continued until her last days.  She loved the children and students she worked with.  In these final years she grew in patience and acceptance of God's will in her life.  These last few months, the sisters witnessed her acceptance of her growing weakness and she often repeated, "Not what I want, but what He wants.  Not when I want it, but when He wants it.  Not how I want it, but how He wants it."  Jesus came to take her home at the time he knew was best.  We are certain that our sister, Maria del Pino is now enjoying His presence, while perhaps reciting poetry or giving advice to others.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Visitation will begin at 2:00 P.M.

Rosary to be recited at 3:00 P.M.

The Angelus Funeral Home Chapel

1119 N. St. Mary's St.

Monday, October 9, 2023

Funeral Mass to be offered at 10:00 A.M.

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

600 Oblate Dr.

Interment will follow in

San Fernando Archdiocesan Cemetery No.2