Viola Trujillo Dawes

I, Viola Trujillo Dawes, 74, surrendered my soul to God with the support of my family by my side on Sunday, October 13, 2013 after 12 years of battling cancer. I was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on March 22, 1939 to Adolfo and Ofelia Trujillo.

I lived my life in Corpus Christi, Texas. I attended El Divino Salvador Presbyterian Church and found a home where my faith and spiritual needs were fulfilled. I retired from Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) where I worked at several schools during my career; the last school I worked at was Mary Carroll High School as a cashier in the cafeteria. I enjoyed being around the students and keeping up with the latest fashions and trends. The ladies I worked with became lifetime friends who encouraged and supported me through my battle with cancer.

I am joining angels in heaven who await my presence, my parents, Adolfo and Ofelia Trujillo, my siblings: Amelia Trujillo, Adolfo Trujillo Jr., Armando Trujillo, and Arturo Trujillo and my husband Armando T. Dawes.

I leave behind to cherish my life and memories, my dearest sister, Ofelia Guzman (Jose) and my children, the love of my life, Minerva Gonzales, Miriam Tellez, Marina O'Kraski, (Stuart) Marisella Perales (Eddie) and Mauricio Gonzales (S'lena). I was blessed to have 10 beautiful grandchildren, Ernest John (E.J) Tellez, (Liana), Laura Mata, (Edward), Christina Perales, Victoria Smith, Mia Tellez, Eddie Perales, Jr., (Stacey), Molly Smith, Cynthia Smith, Rachel O'Kraski, Natalie O'Kraski, and four great-grandsons, Damien Elizaldi, Nakai Tellez, Aiden Mata and Noah Mata. I am also survived by my aunt Olivia Colunga, many nieces and nephews.

I would like to give thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff that cared for me; special thanks to Dr. Fred Massey, San Antonio Cancer Centers of South Texas, Dr. Voorhees, Dr. Mahmood and Dr. Nash at the Corpus Christi Cancer Center, Dr. Everett and his nurse Cindy, and all the staff at M.D. Anderson.

Reverend Sostenes Infante will officiate the funeral services at the Memory Gardens Funeral Home Chapel. The visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. with prayer service at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2013. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 18, 2013 with burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery