(Courtesy photo)
By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
LOZANO, TX —Abel and Lidia Longoria recently celebrated their 75th anniversary well into their 90s in front of dozens of well-wishers that included family and friends.
Their marriage began as teenagers in the 1950s, a time of the Cold War and communist fears with the formidable Soviet Union.
At their Diamond Jubilee held at their residence on July 19, family members had numerous gold and black props to highlight this festive occasion, among them a sign that had historical significance attached to it. Not surprisingly, it was in keeping with the Longorias’ longstanding wishes that their offspring be educated and to instill this in their grandchildren and beyond. They eventually had nine children.
“My favorite memory is riding the scout with Grandpa and Grandma on their farm. Grandpa would catch a lamb and Grandma would hold it for me to pet,” grandchild Ashley Cortez said. “Now, I catch one of my goats and hold it with Grandma so she can pet it. These memories have always inspired me, and especially now that I am starting my study of Veterinary Medicine at Texas Tech.”
The Longorias have 25 grandchildren (15 boys, 10 girls), 49 great-grandchildren (27 girls, 22 boys), and two great-great-grandchildren.
“Now, as an adult, I’ve been fortunate to watch how much they also love and cherish being great grandparents. I treasure that over the years, I’ve been able to listen to stories told during family lunches, and those playing catch with my son, Josiah,” grandchild Cassandra Longoria said. “What has been difficult over the last few years and months is to find the words to explain to Josiah, who is 10 years old, how even after a long life and marriage, we have to pray for his ‘MorePa and MoreMa.” We find comfort in that God has loaned them to all of us in this lifetime, but that the day will come when he calls them home, and we will have to say goodbye to both of them.”
In the 1940s, during World War II, the Longorias were each educated until the eighth grade, but held steady jobs before their marriage. He was a floor sweeper and washed and dried vehicles at a Brownsville Firestone, and she was a clerk at a “five and dime” store, the equivalent of what a dollar store would be today.
Abel was 19, Lidia was 16, and they were married in July inside the Cameron County Courthouse in Brownsville just as the Korean Conflict was getting started in 1950. Witnesses to their longstanding union were Jesus and Blacita, who were kin to the couple.
Once they started a family, Lidia became a full-time housewife.
Nevertheless, Cassandra said her grandma kept busy.
“My most memorable times of my past are of us at San Ignacio Parish in El Ranchito; I vividly remember how active Grandma Chacha was in the community,” she said.
The Longorias have been witnesses to many extraordinary and turbulent events in the seven decades they have been joined as one, which include the death of their son, Abel Jr.
The couple met when they were students at Villa Nueva Elementary School in San Pedro, which is west of Brownsville.
They, like the rest of America, had families trying to survive the Great Depression.
The Longorias were also neighbors in the small, tight-knit community that hugs the U.S./Mexico border.
It’s where they lived the first dozen years following their marriage. They constructed their second home in El Ranchito, near San Benito, in 1963, the same year President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas.
They built their third home in Rio Hondo in 1998, during a time when the Democrats had a stronghold in the White House under President Bill Clinton, who had just won his second term.
“This is where they currently live; they have enjoyed living here surrounded by land, cattle, and peaceful living,” daughter Avelina L. Johnston said.
Abel had occupational posts that involved maintaining and operating machinery at Pan American Aviation and later with a construction company.
The family flourished in the 1980s and 90s, buying farm equipment and running their family business, Longoria Construction, Inc.
Abel retired in 2000 at age 70. It led to memorable times for the grandchildren, and the memories are numerous.
“Their house was always so full of laughter and love, and it was never short of football games; they were always having parties or small get-togethers at their house, and I never knew the reason why,” grandchild Joey Longoria said. “Until I got older, and I realized there’s nothing greater than being around your family. I love them so much and will cherish the time I got to spend with them.”
Some family members, like granddaughter Monica Lily, travel great lengths to visit.
“I was raised in Dallas, but every summer I found myself in the Rio Grande Valley—a place that felt enchanting to a city girl like me,” she said. “Those long, sun-soaked days were filled with the quiet, steady love my grandparents shared.”
The family business led the way to haul sand, work alongside other companies for piping, and invest in land, cattle, and equipment.
Added Monica Lily, “I remember riding around town in Grandma’s car while Grandpa was off working with my uncles—my grandparents always connected, even from a distance. Their love was deep and constant, woven into every homemade meal, every family gathering, every evening spent side by side. As their grandchild, I felt it as I watched them grow their company, extend their love into the community, and stand firmly by their family.”
Daughter Avelina said upon her father’s retirement a quarter decade ago, it gave the couple time to “slow down and enjoy life.”
Other children are Lidia L. Flores, Michaela L. Cortez, Leonel Longoria, Valerio Longoria, Romeo Longoria, Joel Longoria, and Javier Longoria.
It was evident at their summer party a few weeks ago, that 75 years later, that love still shines just as brightly, other family members said.
“It forever left an impression on this young girl’s heart,” Monica Lily said.
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