"I just saw this online today. I am heart broken. I always wondered where she ended up after leaving Eagle Pass to attend college. I went to high school with her. She was a bright light. She was sweet, funny and all around good person. I remember she would mail me gifts when I was in college in Kingsville and she was at UT Austin. I can\'t believe she\'s gone. She was so special. May she rest in peace. "
In loving memory of
Maria Cristina Chio
July 16, 1982 - December 23, 2017
Maria Cristina Chio 07/16/82 12/23/17
Maria Cristina Chio, of Kyle, Texas, made the journey to eternal peace early Saturday morning at Seton Medical Center- Hays. She was 35 years old.
Born to Ruben Chio Sr & Maria Ernestina Martinez on July 16, 1982 in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico; Maria Cristina grew up in Eagle Pass, Texas & graduated with honors at C.C. Winn High School. She attended The University of Texas at Austin where she graduated with a B.F.A. in Art & education. She worked for over 10 years for Seguin ISD as a highly-dedicated Art Teacher and Mentor, who always put her students & fellow faculty members first. Maria Cristina was also a seasoned Mariachi; playing in both High School and College. She continued playing Mariachi & playing gigs as part of Mariachi Jalisco de Austin; who played regular gigs at both private & public events like The Austin Margarita Festival & Matts El Rancho. In addition to art & Music, Maria Cristina was also passionate about ceramics, the arts, equality, Mexican-American culture, the local and regional foodie scene, & The University of Texas athletics; especially Longhorns Football & Baseball.
Maria Cristina is survived by both her parents, husband Jeffrey Smith Jr of Kyle, brother Ruben Chio Jr of San Antonio & his partner Rosa Palacios of Buda, sister Maria Alejandra Chio-Marines & her husband Adrian Marines of Eagle Pass, brother Carlos Chio & his wife Deanne Chio of Enterprise, Alabama, four nieces, three nephews, & her dog Diablo.
Memorial Services are still pending & her immediate family will notify all friends/family as more details become available.
Tributes
"Lit a candle in memory of Maria Cristina Chio"
"Mrs. Chio will always be a very important person in my life. She was my friend when I didn't have any. She was my inspiration. She was a mentor. When I attended Jim Barnes I was a very shy kid who really didn't have a place to fit in. Mrs. Chio however took me in and helped me her classroom became my sanctuary. I would spend my mornings before school with her and spend my lunch time in her room. After I moved on to high school we stayed in touch and she helped me find confidence to continue to persue what makes me happy. Mrs. Chio will never leave my heart, for she has made a big impact on my life that I will forever be grateful for."
"Both of my boys had the honor of having Mrs. Chio as their art teacher. Both of my boys have autism. They both would talk about how nice she was to them, and how she made them feel special. Thank you Mrs. Chio for being so understanding and loving. You will be missed."
"Jeff I am so sorry to hear about your wifes passing. My condolences and prayers go out to you and her family. May your beautiful memories with her bring you comfort in your times of sorrow and grief."
"Jeff, I was very sad to hear about the loss of your wife. I'm sure she was an amazing woman as you always spoke so highly of her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. your former co-worker and pod partner Pennie"
"I did not know Maria was ill. I worked with her for several summers in SISD's Art Camps, and she was always so full of energy and enthusiasm for art and music. And, she was so caring --- she worried about a bird that had flown in to the Barnes Art room, and showed us the garden she'd planted behind Barnes, trying to make sure someone would water it over the summer. I know her students loved her, and she will be greatly missed."
"Our condolences goes out to the Chio family and Jeffery. We were stunned at hearing of the lost of such a young woman. Mia and Jeffery grew in there love for each other. She was such a beautiful person. I am sorry we lost touch with you since we moved. Jeffery be strong and know God is there at your side. If you need us call...you know how to find us. Praying for you and her family to find peace. Robert and Pat Broussard"
"My condolences and prayers go out to Jeff and the Chio family. Jeff was so proud of all her accomplishments and love for life. She was the love of his life and he let everyone know it. She will truly be missed by all."
"We offer our prayers and condolences to Jeff and Chio's family. We will truly miss Chio's presence and her talent that she brought to the group these past 10 years. We will have a void in our group that will be very difficult to replace (if at all) but we can share in the joy that we were able to have her in the group these past 10 years Bob Guajardo Maraichi Jalisco"
"Mrs. Chio always made herself available if I had a question, concern or if I needed to complain about some little issue about my day. When I was a new teacher at Barnes she made me feel welcome and kept me on track. I'm deeply saddened to lose a good friend and a dedicated fellow teacher. Her energy and powerful presence will be missed and my heart goes out to all her friends and family who knew her."
"MY CUZ WAS BEAUTIFUL WASN'T SHE!!! :("
"#AMORMIPRIMA"
"Jeff, I never met your wife but I could tell she made you happy and by what ypu said she must havr been an amazing person. My sincerest condolences to you and you family, may she rest in eternal peace and I hope one day you can find peace in your heart with this incomprehensible loss. Your Friend CC"
"Maria was an energetic teacher for her Art students. My heart is saddened to think that she will not be here to continue her legacy. Roger Betschler"
"MY heart goes out to her family and friends. This wonderful woman took advantage of living a full life. Her friends on YELP will miss her sense of humor and we'll always think about her. Her music lives on and we are better for knowing her. Ron Urias"
"My sincere condolences to Chio's family. May you find comfort in your loving memories, and in God's promise to soon "swallow up death forever" and "wipe away the tears from all faces." (Isaiah 25;8) With deepest sympathy,"
"Chio always reminded me to be who you are and transcended all ages. She was a grand person who gave life color by just being her. She will always be loved and missed. Bears are everywhere, just as she would have wanted."