Dora Cortez Balli

BROWNSVILLE, TX. – Dora Cortez Balli reached the age of 91 before she entered into eternal rest with the Lord on Sunday, December 12, 2021. She was born on September 15, 1930 to Facundo Cortez and Benita Cervantes de Cortez. She was preceded in death by her parents who passed before she reached the age of 15 and by her husband Jesus Balli who entered into eternal rest with the Lord on November 14, 1989 and was a descendant of Padre Nicolas Balli and a retired veteran who served in the Korean War for which he received the Bronze Star medal.

Dora is survived by her three children; Norma Balli De La Rosa (Juan) of Mission, Texas; Jesus Balli, Jr. (Bertha) of San Antonio, Texas; and Alberto Balli (Lupita) of Brownsville, Texas, and by her grandchildren: Olgita De La Rosa and Johnny De La Rosa of Mission, Texas; Karina Balli Melendez (Charlie) and great-grandchild Kevyn of Brownsville, Texas; Albert Balli, Jr.+ of Brownsville, Texas; Angelita Balli, Carlos Balli and great-grandchild Carlie, and Nathali Balli of Brownsville, Texas; Joey Balli; and Mary Balli and great-grandchildren Josiah and Zachary of San Antonio, Texas.

Dora attended school in Brownsville, Texas and graduated from Brownsville High School. She was a dedicated employee of JCPenney for more than 44 years until her retirement in 1997. Dora was also a very loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, co-worker, and friend who will be dearly missed and remembered by all who knew her.

Those that knew Dora well will know that she thoroughly enjoyed bargain shopping and spoiling her loved ones with gifts, especially for special occasions such as birthdays, Easter, and anniversaries. She was always there for her family and friends and always willing to help no matter who asked her; it was very hard for her to say no to anybody. May her kindness, generosity, and strength continue to live on in many forms.

Dora was a devoted Catholic and long-time member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. She was a very independent, strong, and resilient person who walked by great faith and not by sight. She was a woman of great integrity who always showed her unconditional love and respect for her family and friends. She positively impacted those around her due to her prayers, actions, and words of advice.

The viewing, mass, and funeral service will all take place on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. The viewing will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM followed by a Holy Rosary recited from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Darling-Mouser Funeral Home located at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas. Mass of Resurrection, officiated by Rev. Rene Gaytan, will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM which is located at 1055 Military Road in Brownsville, Texas. A graveside service will be held at Buena Vista Burial Park located at 5 McDavitt Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Johnny De La Rosa, Joey Balli, Josiah Balli, Charlie Melendez, Angelita Balli, and Carlos Balli. Honorary pallbearers will be Juan J. De La Rosa, Josiah Balli, and Kevyn Melendez.