Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend Emma “Mommy” Elena Guzman, 94, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, following a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loving family. The world has lost a “bright smiling light”. Born January 2, 1932, in Cueto, Cuba. Mommy’s unwavering faith guided her life and her approach to everything she did. Mommy dedicated her life to creating a loving and nurturing home for her husband of 66 years, Nidel, and their two children.
Mommy’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, faith, resilience, and laughter. Mommy’s greatest joy came from spending time with family and fostering a loving and welcoming environment. Her home was always open and served as a gathering place and haven of love and support, not just for her children but for countless others in need of guidance, prayers, support and comfort. Mommy’s love for cooking and entertaining was evident as she often hosted lunch, dinner and holiday celebrations. Mommy was an amazing cook, her paella, fried chicken, and fish escabeche was legendary. Mommy loved the ocean, saltwater fishing, and regularly jumping off our boat “Daddy’s Toy”. She frequently was the only one catching fish, much to our father’s chagrin!
Mommy loved the United States and was the most patriotic person most people have ever met. She felt blessed living in this country that provided her and her family with remarkable opportunities. In 1974 she began giving lectures at our High School in New Jersey. She shared her experiences of living in a communist regime and its oppressive and brutal nature. She proudly wore a flag pin or some other patriotic item to convey how much she loved America. She loved it when people would say something about her patriotic outfit, it was then that she expressed what this country meant to her. She would end the conversation by smiling and confirming that there is no better place in the world.
She is survived by her husband Nidel, daughter Maricel (Marcie), her partner Lin, son David, daughter-in-law Freda, grandson Ryan, granddaughter Litzy, and a vast network of friends who became family.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, faith, kindness, and strength will live on in her children and grandchildren. We will carry her memory and spirit in our hearts forever.
A celebration of Mommy’s life will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:00 am with small visitation at 10:00 am. It will be held at Grace Bible Church, 1027 Dixie Drive, Clute, Texas 77531.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in Mommy’s memory to the “Wounded Warrior Project®” or the “100 Club of Brazoria County”.
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
www.100.clubofbrazoriacounty.com