Maria Elisa Ulcak beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend (48) was called home by her heavenly father on Sunday afternoon, December 22, 2019 surrounded by her family and friends after a long struggle with cancer. She was born to Eloy and Juanita (Patlan) Paredes on January 18, 1971 in Watseka Illinois. She was the oldest of four children. Her family moved from Watseka to Laredo, Texas when she was young

Elisa attended school in Laredo and when she graduated, she earned a scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin where she graduated with a degree in teaching and later a master's in special education. She taught and was an administrator at several schools and districts until she retired due to cancer. She was a devout Catholic and volunteered teaching CCD classes in addition to attending Bible study after retiring from education due to her cancer.

Elisa was a very independent and determined person. She was a wonderful mother and loving wife. She was a beautiful and caring teacher and school administrator. Her heart and passion was centered around her family and teaching children. She had many hobbies and interests in her life, one of the most endearing was her love of scrapbooking and crafting, and she leaves behind many tangible memories in the form of scrapbooks and different arts and crafts she created over the years.

There are not enough words to express how deeply Elisa will be missed. Elisa is survived by: Her husband Chris Ulcak; Her daughter Rebecca; Her son Matthew; Parents Eloy and Juanita Paredes; Sister Rosa Paredes-Lopez & husband Orlando; Brother Eloy Paredes & wife Dana; 13 nieces and nephews and many cousins. She is preceded in death by her brother Eduardo Paredes.

Funeral Mass Service: 2 pm, Friday Dec. 27, 2019, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 5 pm, Thursday at Kubena Funeral Home; with rosary starting at 7 pm . Pallbearers: Eloy Paredes, Orlando Lopez, Nicolas Bernal, Andrew Ulcak, Greg Ulcak, and Jacob Guzman. Officiant: Msgr. John Peters. Memorials (in lieu of Flowers): American Cancer Society, The Catholic Church (Holy Family in Victoria or St. Mary's in Hallettsville) or Donor's Choice. Burial: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.