Maria Cristina Chio, of Kyle, Texas, made the journey to eternal peace early Saturday morning at Seton Medical Center- Hays. She was 35 years old.

Born to Ruben Chio Sr & Maria Ernestina Martinez on July 16, 1982 in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico; Maria Cristina grew up in Eagle Pass, Texas & graduated with honors at C.C. Winn High School. She attended The University of Texas at Austin where she graduated with a B.F.A. in Art & Education. She worked for over 10 years for Seguin ISD as a highly-dedicated art teacher and mentor, who always put her students & fellow faculty members first. Maria Cristina was also a seasoned Mariachi; playing in both high school and college. She continued playing Mariachi & playing gigs as part of Mariachi Jalisco de Austin; who played regular gigs at both private & public events like The Austin Margarita Festival & Matt’s El Rancho. In addition to art & music, Maria Cristina was also passionate about ceramics, the arts, equality, Mexican-American culture, the local and regional foodie scene, & The University of Texas athletics; especially Longhorns Football & Baseball.

Maria Cristina is survived by both her parents, husband Jeffrey Smith Jr of Kyle, brother Ruben Chio Jr of San Antonio & his partner Rosa Palacios of Buda, sister Maria Alejandra Chio-Marines & her husband Adrian Marines of Eagle Pass, brother Carlos Chio & his wife Deanne Chio of Enterprise, Alabama, four nieces, three nephews, & her dog Diablo.

Memorial Services are still pending & her immediate family will notify all friends/family as more details become available.

Please visit www.Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Maria’s family on her On-line memorial site.

Funeral assistance provided by Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle.