Mrs. Adriana Guadalupe Cates, a longtime resident of Laredo, Texas, and a cherished wife, mother, daughter, and sister, peacefully passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the age of 56 in Houston, Texas, following a courageous ten-year battle with cancer. Born in Allende, Nuevo León, Mexico, Adriana came to the United States at the age of six and proudly achieved her U.S. citizenship in 2000. Adriana dedicated over thirty years of her life to helping others in her community, serving faithfully as a compassionate social worker at Mercy Hospital in Laredo from August 16, 1989, until her retirement on May 22, 2020. Outside of her career, Adriana possessed a vibrant, adventurous spirit. She loved trees and the great outdoors, explored the ocean depths as an avid scuba diver, and proudly held her motorcycle license. Yet, above all her adventures and professional achievements, her greatest joy was her family; she loved her children deeply and unconditionally.
Diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) in 2016, Adriana became a true pioneer in the medical community. Under the care of MD Anderson in Houston, she participated in several vital drug trials, ultimately becoming the longest-surviving patient in the study for the only medicine developed specifically for ACC. Her extraordinary bravery, resilience, and endurance helped pave the way to cross out cancer for future generations.

She was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wilmer and Mary Ann Cates.

Adriana is survived by her husband, Robert Martin Cates, children Robert Martin Cates II and Kalie Ann Cates, parents Eugenio and Francisca Lopez, and siblings Rosaisela Acosta, Raul Olveda, Eugenio Lopez, Jorge Lopez, and Emelina Lopez, along with many extended relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center or the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation (ACCRF).