Hortense Aguilar (Cortez) age 96 of Galveston died Friday, February 6, 2026, at The Meridian in Galveston. Funeral services are 10:00 am Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home in Galveston with visitation to begin at 9:00am. Entombment will follow at Grace Memorial Park Mausoleum in Hitchcock.

Ms. Aguilar was born September 18, 1929, in Westfield, Texas to Jose and Concepcion Martinez Aguilar and raised in Huntsville. She graduated from Huntsville Highschool and Houston Business College before moving to Galveston in 1950. She was employed in Accounting at UTMB retiring with 13 years of service. She was a charter member of ACTS Christian Church in Texas City, founding Pastor Rick Cortez 2007.

Preceded in death by her parents Jose and Concepcion Aguilar, sister Amelia (Jack) Reeves, her former husband Cruz M. Cortez, Jr., son Pastor Rick M. Cortez, sisters in law, Aurora (Harry) Watkins, and Irene (Charles) Quiroga. Survivors include daughter Ana M. Cortez; sons, Cruz M. Cortez, III and. Jose C. Cortez (Floyd Robinson); daughter-in-law Susan Cortez; grandchildren Ben Cortez (Rebecca) of California, Jadyn R. Cortez and Ian M. Cortez both of Texas City; great grandchildren, Caleb M. Cortez, Elijah C. Cortez and Ciena K. Cortez all of California; sister-in-law, Mercedes M. Cortez, niece Suzanne Strickland (Jon), nephew Jack Reeves (Kelly) and many other beloved relatives.

Her family would like to thank the staff and care givers at the Meridian, Meghan and Barbara for their kind and compassionate care of our mother. Also, the UTMB staff 11th floor Sandra Simpson-Fontenette and Cynthia Reyes, and HCT Hospice.

Pallbearers are Cruz M. Cortez, III. Bill Labuzan, Royce Griffin, James Garcia, Albert Sanchez, Robert Acosta, Anthony White. Honorary pallbearers Jose C. Cortez, Ben Cortez, Caleb Cortez, Ian Cortez, Elijah Cortez.