Maria C. (Cavazos) Maldonado

Maria C. Maldonado, 82, of Rio Hondo and San Benito, died Monday, May 24, 2021. She was born in Burgos, Tamaulipas, on June 27, 1938.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Francisco G. Maldonado Sr.; her parents, Esteban and Eva Cavazos; her sisters, Esperanza (Rogelio) Rodriguez, Gloria (Carlos) Lugo Sr.; and two young brothers.

Mary and Frank married in 1959 and moved to Los Angeles, California, where he had been stationed as a U.S. Marine. They raised their three children there before returning to the Rio Grande Valley.

She operated a home daycare for many years and then worked for Dr.  Raul Garza Jr., helping patients at his clinic in San Benito.

Mom was such a kind and generous woman who always helped the less fortunate by donating food, clothing, money and gifts to needy families, even when she went without. She loved to attend church services and visited churches throughout the area her entire life. Listening to Christian music, reading her Bible and praying under a tree in her backyard overlooking the water were a part of her daily life.

More than anything else, mom loved being with her family. We took her on long drives out in the country, fishing to her favorite spot in Arroyo City and eating out. She loved to hear us read all the comments friends posted on Facebook about her adventures. “Mijita isn’t it wonderful that people can say such nice things on the computer. That’s a blessing.”

Just hours before her passing, mom was able to celebrate her life in her own way. She blessed each one of us, told us that she loved us and to enjoy life.

She is survived by her children, Diana Eva Maldonado, of Rio Hondo; Patricia A. Chancey and Willie Zepeda, of Harlingen; and Frank Jr. and Colleen Maldonado, of Harlingen; her grandsons, Patrick Kendall Chancey and Mary Kate Garnette, of San Benito; and James Martin and Vanessa Chancey, of San Antonio; her great-grandson Ethan Kendall Chancey and her great-granddaughter Gianna Maria Chancey.

Her pallbearers will be Patrick, James and Ethan Chancey; her nephews Jaime and Marcus Rodriguez; and longtime family friend Willie Rosales Jr.

Our family would sincerely like to thank Dr. Todd Shenkenberg and his staff for the compassionate care they gave mom for more than 13 years; David Garza, Thomas Garza and the staff of The Medicine Shoppe for always being there for her; and Willie Zepeda for his support and hospitality.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, at the Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 28, at St . Vincent de Paul Mission in Lozano with burial to follow at Mont Meta Cemetery.

Mom encouraged everyone to “Enjoy life!”