You don’t have to live forever, you just have to live. Viola G. Cavazos lived a beautiful life and was peacefully called home on October 24, 2019, at the age of 67.
Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Viola was the second child born to the late Carlos and Tomasa Garcia on February 5, 1952. Viola grew up with three sisters and two brothers; and loved sharing childhood stories with her family. Viola graduated from Roy Miller High School where she met lifelong friends. She then went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Texas A&I Kingsville and her Master’s degree in Mathematics from Corpus Christi State University. In between going to school and working as a teacher, she met the love of her life, the late Oscar R. Cavazos. They were joined together in marriage on December 17, 1977, and soon after they started their family. Their children became her pride and joy. Viola was an amazing mother and years later welcomed a son-in-law and daughter-in-law as her own. Viola was eventually blessed with the greatest title of all “grandmother” which she wore proudly on her tshirts.
Viola loved her family with all her heart and soul. She loved to give and had a passion to help people. She was a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and teacher. She did everything in her power to protect her family and make their lives easier which was evident even after her passing.
Viola was a teacher for over 30 years with CCISD at T.G. Allen Elementary and was a member of the Altar Society at Christ the King Catholic Church. Viola loved to visit her granddaughters and enjoyed their routine trips to Disney World. She enjoyed supporting her grandsons at their baseball games by cheering on her Diablos, Nitro, and Astros baseball teams. Her grandkids were her world and she told people it was a privilege to be a part of their lives.
Viola was an exceptional baker, making cakes and cookies for all occasions. It wasn’t a party or holiday without her pan de polvo or lemon pies and, if you were lucky, she’d surprise you with her delicious apple cakes. This time of year started her tamale season which was enjoyed by so many during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Although Viola kept busy, she always made time for a quick trip to Weber Bingo and traveling to Lake Charles to play those slot machines that were good to her on many occasions. At the end of the day, Viola would have told you that all of these things were possible because of God. Viola believed in the power of prayer and it was felt by many.
Viola “LIVED” and will be dearly missed by many.
Viola was welcomed into the gates of heaven by her parents, Carlos and Tomasa Garcia, husband, Oscar R. Cavazos and son, Jose Cavazos II.
Viola’s survivors, who will carry her memories in their hearts, include her son, Oscar Cavazos Jr. (Nina) and daughter, Gloria Way (Brian); grandchildren, Oscar R. Cavazos III, Isaac A. Cavazos, Arianna T. Cavazos, Samantha H. Way, Emma J. Way, Breann L. Way; siblings, Yolanda Tanguma, Criselda Benner (Barry), Dolores Rodriguez (Cleo), Carlos Garcia Jr. (Barbara), and David Garcia (Gina) and an abundance of family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Memorial Holly, with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. that same evening.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Rosehill Memorial Park.
