Lucila Canales Sendejar of Benavides, Texas went to be with the Lord at the incredible age of 91 on December 22,2025. She touched the lives of all who knew her with her loving spirit, sense of humor, and giving heart.
She was born on October 10,1934 in Benavides, Texas to Fidencio Canales and Celia Salinas. Lucila attended Benavides High School and was involved with the Homemakers Club where she developed her love of cooking, sewing, and embroidery. She was also a member of the football Pep Squad where she enjoyed cheering on her favorite team, the Benavides Eagles. In 1958, she married her High School sweetheart, the love of her life, Roel Sendejar. Together they created a 70-year love story of faith and devotion to one another. They raised three loving daughters to whom she leaves a legacy of cherished memories.
Lucila will be dearly missed by her loving family: her devoted husband Roel Sendejar, her children Lydia Nelda Olivarez (former son in law Gerald Olivarez), Ena (Dale)McFarland, and Melissa (Juan) Jimenez. Lucila’s pride and joy were her beloved grandchildren, Dr. Ashley (Kristian) Morales, Josiah Jimenez, and Noah Jimenez. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
Lucila was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Maria Estella Canales, Celia Chapa, and Idolina Galvan.
After graduating high school, Lucila worked as a switchboard operator for “Ma Bell” American Telephone Company and for the Benavides Chamber of Commerce. In 1966, Roel and Lucila moved to Corpus Christi, where she dedicated her life to being a full-time wife and mother. She also provided childcare for numerous educator’s children. After her children were raised, Lucila and Roel dedicated much of their time to their church community. She became deeply involved at Christ the King Catholic Church in various ministries. She was a member of the Most Holy Order of the Blessed Trinity (Trinitarians) and the church Prayer Group. She helped and participated in adult and youth retreats, the Ark Orphanage, the Angel Tree Project, the Homeless ministry, the Nursing Home and hospital ministry, and numerous other community church events.
She loved cooking for her family and was known for her delicious Mexican rice and lemon meringue pie. She also enjoyed shopping and never left home without matching shoes and handbag. The greatest joy in her life was spending time with her grandchildren and attending every sport and academic event. She was always their greatest cheerleader.
Services will be held on January 8th, 2025 at Christ the King Catholic Church ( 3423 Rojo St., Corpus Christi, Texas 78415) Visitation will begin at 9:00 am, a Rosary will be recited at 10 am, and a funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am. Reception immediately follows in the church hall. A private burial will be held at a later date.
The family wants to express their heartfelt gratitude to the entire Hospice team (Dr. Reddy, Debbie, Alexis, Art, Toshia, Stephanie, Deacon Armando, Kelly) of OpusCare of Texas for their remarkable compassionate care and support.
To Blaza, her caregiver, a special thank you for taking care of mom with so much love and kindness these last three years. Nora and Nola, thank you for all your love and support, and for the many meals you provided mom and dad.
Thank you to family and friends for your visits, calls, food, flowers, cards, and prayers.
“Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25: 21
