Rancho Viejo, TX- Elvira Andreu Searle, 69, of Rancho Viejo, TX passed away Thursday, November 29, 2007 at her residence. She was preceded in death by her parents; Dr. Jose Maria Tomas Andreu and Ana Josefa Castro de Andreu; Brother, Ignacio Andreu; Elvira Searle de Andreu was a remarkable woman that affected many lives. Her generosity of heart touched so many people who had the good fortune of knowing her. To have known Elvira, is to have known a true altruist. She gave from the heart and expected nothing in return. Her acts of charity were done quietly and discreetly, yet her good deeds did not go unnoticed. It was no accident that she was chosen to meet the Pope John Paul II during his visit to Belize. Elvira used to take her children to visit orphanages, retirement homes for the less fortunate, schools for the disabled, as well as the local prison to try to counsel prisoners. She made sure that many children attended school whose parents were unable to provide them with an education. She became so many elderly people's "daughter", as she took on that role by caring for them and showing them affection, when no one else seemed to care. Within her own family, she was always the supporting beam; this role was unexpectedly given to her at age 17 when her father suddenly passed away. She courageously and successfully stepped up to the challenge and 52 years later, continued to be the backbone of the family. When diagnosed with two different cancers merely seven months apart, she fought back and stood strong. While everyone else was falling apart emotionally, she consoled them and reassured them that everything would be alright. She never lost her sense of humor or beauty. Throughout her illness, she continued to shine bright and was a joy to be around. Elvira was the most genuine, determined, hard-working, loving and generous person her family and friends ever knew. She was the best wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. She fulfilled each one of her roles in life to the best of her ability, and she did a fine job. She truly was a whole person and one to be honored. Mom, you are like no other, and we all will continue to love you more than words can ever say. Elvira is survived by her loving husband, John M. Searle of Rancho Viejo, TX; Her 4 children, John W. (Linda) Searle of Rancho Viejo, Texas, Michael G. Searle of Belize City, Belize, Gigi (Dr. Kalim J.) Habet of Rancho Viejo, TX and Dr. Thomas A. (Lorraine) Searle of St. Augustine, Florida; 9 Grandchildren, Kal, Anthony, Madison, Trevor, Conor, Brian, Ben, Callum, and Meera; Sister, Ana (David) Luther of Summerdale, Alabama; Brother, Jose Maria Andreu of Rancho Viejo, TX. Family will be receiving visitors from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with Memorial Services to follow at 2:00 P.M. Saturday December 01, 2007 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 602 E. Elizabeth St. in Brownsville. Services will be officiated by Father Ricardo Garcia. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Elvira Andreu Searle, 5413 S. McColl Road, Edinburg, Texas 78539. Words of comfort may be sent to the family of Elvira at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors in San Benito, TX (956) 399-1331.