Mary C. Benavides

Mary C. Benavides, 85, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Born on December 6, 1939, Mary was a devoted parishioner of Resurrection of the Lord Catholic Church and a member of “Hijas de Maria” of St. Timothy Catholic Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles for countless years. She was a member of the Fox Tech high school reunion committee, class of 1958 until their 60th class reunion. Her vibrant spirit and love of life shone through her passion for travel and her joy in attending many social gatherings. She loved and enjoyed the company of friends and family! She wouldn’t shy away from a cup of coffee or some type of social event whether it was with friends or family. Her memory was sharp, and her stories were never ending. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend to all.

She was a force to be reckoned with for her generation. Right after high school she went to nursing school to pursue her licensing and certification as a licensed vocational nurse. This led to her career as a nurse serving in numerous clinics and hospitals serving her community ensuring the health and well-being of adults and children with proper care and vaccinations. She especially liked working on the immunization campaigns for children. She was so effective, fast and expert at what she did, most of the time the kids didn’t even feel the needle. “Mary C. Benavides, LVN” is how she introduced herself. For the girl children in our family, she was the first independent, female role model with a career we’d ever seen. She definitely set the tone for all of our futures.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Gonzalo and Juanita Castillo; her beloved husband, Cayetano; her faithful son, Oscar Rene Benavides; her supportive brothers, Gonzalo, Pedro, and Raymundo Castillo; her devoted and only son-in-law, Ariel Chang and numerous cherished aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Rosemary Benavides Chang; her grandsons, Jonah Lee Chang (Aubry T. Chang) and Caytan Ariel Chang; her great-grandson, Izaiah Ramon Chang; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and a wide circle of family and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Mary touched the lives of many with her warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith. We love her so very much and miss her dearly but know that she’s watching over us all making sure we’re all “pretty good fine” like she is now and forever.

A rosary for Mary will be held Thursday, December 26, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at St Timothy Catholic Church, 1515 Saltillo St, San Antonio, TX 78207, followed by a funeral mass from 10:00 AM.