In Loving Memory of Luisa Beatriz “Matty” Sáenz Grados
August 22, 1947 – July 23, 2026
Betty “Matty” Sáenz Grados, born on August 22, 1947, in Lima, Peru, peacefully entered into the presence of the Lord on July 23, 2026, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 78.
Matty was an extraordinary woman whose life was defined by devotion, warmth, and a passionate heart for service. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest blessing in life was her family. Graduated from the esteemed Universidad Nacional de Educación (UNE) in Lima, Peru, and dedicated many years of her life to education. As both a passionate teacher and a respected school Principal, she left a lasting mark on generations of students who always remembered her as a deeply caring, inspiring, and dedicated mentor.
After making her home in Texas, Matty’s compassion only grew. She became a fiercely dedicated advocate for animals, rescuing and saving countless street animals and giving them a voice. Her generosity extended even further through her faithful support and donations to children fighting cancer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Matty found immense happiness in life’s simple moments. She loved cooking traditional Peruvian meals, filling her kitchen with delicious food, laughter, and the comforting feeling of home. She loved to dance, and her joyful spirit could light up any room. Above all, her family was her greatest blessing. Whether sharing a meal, celebrating holidays, or simply being together, spending time with her children and grandchildren meant the world to her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Victor Sáenz and Victoria Grados; by her devoted husband, Eddy Ugaz Alcántara and her siblings: Zulema Sáenz, Luis Sáenz, and Raul Sáenz.
She leaves behind a legacy of love in her family who will forever cherish her memory: her loving daughters, Bethsy Ly and her husband, Bruce, of Port Arthur, and Jocelyn Varela and her husband, Juan, of Port Arthur. She was a proud, cherished grandmother to Eddie Ly, Brithsy Ly, and Jakob Varela, who lovingly nicknamed her "Matty” filling her heart with immeasurable joy. She is also lovingly remembered by her brother, José Sáenz of Canada, her sister, María Elena Sáenz of Spain, as well as many extended family members, former students, and dear friends.
Mattyta taught her family the true meaning of kindness, generosity, and unconditional love. Her gentle heart, unwavering strength, and selfless nature touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Service Details
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Betty’s life on Thursday, July 30, 2026:
• Visitation: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Melancon Levingston Funeral Home
1605 Avenue H, Nederland, Texas
• Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m.
Melancon Levingston Funeral Home
• Graveside Service & Interment: Immediately following the service
Memory Gardens Cemetery, Nederland, Texas
Although our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing she has found eternal rest. Her vibrant love will continue to live on in the meals we share, the music that makes us dance, the students she inspired, the lives she saved, and the memories we hold forever in our hearts. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.