Mary Dolores Benignus

Mary Dolores Benignus, 92, was born on September 14, 1933 on the east side of Houston to Juan and Angela Rodriguez, the youngest of eight surviving children. She attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School through 8th grade and graduated high school from Incarnate Word Academy in 1951. After high school, she worked at a bank before marrying Martin Benignus in 1966 and raising three daughters, Susan Deborah and Monica. She worked for more than 15 years at Edgewood Elementary in Spring Branch ISD as a teacher’s aid, and in her retirement cared for her grandchildren and for her ailing sister. As a 58-year resident of Spring Branch, she made her home in her parish community of St. Jerome Catholic Church as an active and devoted parishioner. She was a founding member of the Lebh Shomea Community of Theresians with whom she practiced “The Little Way” of St. Therese of Lisieux to “do small things with great love”. She also was a member of the Rosary Making Club, ACTS Rosary Group, and the Seniors Group, as well as many other committees and involvements over the decades. Living her 92 years and 8 months with full independence and vibrancy, Dolores suffered a stroke on May 26, 2026 and passed away on June 5, 2026.

Dolores is preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings: Rodolfo Rodriguez, Sr, Antonio Rodriguez, Salvador Rodriguez, Sr, Ralph Rodriguez, Sister Mary of the Angels Rodriguez (MCDP), Margaret Rodriguez, and Rosie Rodriguez, and her former husband Martin Benignus. She is survived by her three daughters: Susan Treat and husband Russel, Deborah Amador and husband David, Monica Nugent and husband Michael, her three grandchildren: Olivia, John and Sarah Nugent, many nieces and nephews and countless friends. She will be missed deeply by all.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026 at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 8825 Kempwood Dr, Houston, Texas 77080. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by Rosary at 10:45 am and Funeral Mass at 11:30 am. Friends and family are cordially invited to a reception in the Parish Activity Center following Mass.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, please consider making a donation to capitol improvements at St. Jerome Catholic Church or your favorite charity.