Celestina “Cele” Delacruz, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and devout Catholic, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, in Houston, Texas. She was 60 years old.
Born on May 19, 1965, and raised in Riva Palacio, Michoacan, Celestina was the cherished daughter of Juana Gonzalez. She was one of 18 children. Her early years in Mexico shaped her strong faith and deep connection to her roots.
Celestina married the love of her life, Jose Noel Pinon, with whom she shared a beautiful life filled with love and devotion. Together they raised three children: Maricela Pinon, Cesar Pinon, and Noel Pinon. Her family continued to grow with the arrival of her treasured grandchildren: Jacob, Giosela, Ethan, and Dalia. She also leaves behind an abundance of nieces and nephews who adored her.
A woman of unwavering faith, Celestina was deeply committed to her Catholic beliefs. She was an active member of San Rafael Catholic Church for many years, where she served as a catechist and guided others in their spiritual journeys. In her later years, she became a devoted member of St. Mark’s Evangelist Catholic Church. Her faith took her on remarkable pilgrimages to some of the most sacred sites in the world. She traveled to Jerusalem to walk in the footsteps of Christ and participated in the 2025 Jubilee pilgrimage in Rome, Italy. During this journey of faith, she attended a Papal Mass with communion—an experience she held dear—and visited two significant Marian apparition sites: La Virgen de Guadalupe in Mexico City and Nuestra Señora de Lourdes at the Lourdes Sanctuary in France. Celestina prayed the rosary daily as an expression of her deep devotion.
Beyond her spiritual life, Celestina embraced every moment with joy and passion. Known affectionately as “La Fierra,” she loved spending weekends singing karaoke with friends and family—a pastime that brought laughter and happiness to all who knew her. Staying active was important to her; she enjoyed Zumba classes, walking outdoors, and get togethers at the park with family.
Celestina had an adventurous spirit that fueled her love for travel. Whether exploring new destinations or revisiting cherished places close to her heart, she found inspiration in every journey. A proud supporter of Club América soccer team (Americanista), Selección Mexicana fútbol team, and baseball fanatics alike—her enthusiasm for sports was infectious.
Her warmth extended far beyond hobbies; Celestina’s strength inspired those around while nurturing bonds among relatives/friends alike—a caring mother/sister figure whose legacy lives on through countless memories shared together over time.
May Celestina “Cele” Delacruz rest eternally in God’s peace and love. May His comforting embrace bring solace to all whose lives she touched. Her richly blessed life will be remembered with faith, celebrated with love, and cherished forevermore.
Celestina Gonzalez De La Cruz
Visitation:
Friday March 27, 2026
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
J Leal Funeral Home
708 College Ave.
South Houston, Tx 77587
Saturday March 28, 2026
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Religious service: 2:00 PM
Interment:
Forest Park South West Cemetery
9040 FM 359
Richmond, Tx 77406
Gate time: 4:00Pm