Maria Pena Benavides beloved and cherished wife and mother found peace in the arms of our Holy Father at the age of 93 on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. She was surrounded by loved ones and passed peacefully of natural causes. Maria was born in Ricardo, Tx, the fifth of seven children born to Ernesto Pena and Delfina Polanco. Her father, a carpenter, moved to Kingsville, Tx and built a house and a small family store at the corner of Yoakum and Fourteenth. Maria would go on to work there at the age of 14. It was about this time that she met her future husband, Alvaro Benavides. In 1946 they married and started a family of their own. Maria was a housewife and loving mother all her life as she raised their seven children. Maria’s reputation as a wonderful cook was well earned as it was accompanied by warm and generous hospitality. Her disarming sense of humor charmed everyone and put them at ease and feel welcomed. Her home-made tamales were loved by all for their delicate size and delicious taste. Maria was a big fan of television soap operas and loved quilting. She enjoyed the occasional trip to Las Vegas or Coushatta La. to play the slots. Maria was a huge fan of the Houston Astros and Dallas Cowboys. Maria loved her casita and preferred coffee in her kitchen or on her living room couch watching TV. She enjoyed The Price is Right, ice skating and gymnastics. Maria is preceded in death by her husband Alvaro and two granddaughters Annette Michelle Alcantar and Toni Adel Bridges. She is survived by her children Himelda (Ruben) Duque, Delia (Lee) Gallegos, Oscar (Teri) Benavides, Yolanda (John) Martinez, Alvaro Jr (Dianne) Benavides, Daniel Brandon (William Hinkie) and Samuel Benavides. Maria is survived by one sister, Benita Longoria of Robstown Tx. She leaves behind to revere her memory, 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews whom she loved unconditionally. The family extends gratitude to the Christus Spohn South doctors and nurses as well as Dr Breeling and all the caregivers who helped make her comfortable in her casita. Sandy, Blasa and Nely to mention a few. Visitation will be Thursday 4/27/2023 from 5:00 to 9:00 with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 that evening, at the Funeraria Del Angel Memorial 3442 Holly Rd. A Funeral Mass will be held and conducted on Friday 4/28/2023 at 1:00 at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church 3502 Saratoga. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelMHolly.com for the Benavides family.
