Dora E Benavides

We will remember Mimi for her loving nature, thoughtfulness, and occasional, endearing stubbornness. We could not spend a minute with her without her asking about our work, school, pets, projects, and what we would like to eat. She doted on her children, grandchildren, and nearly everyone she met. She loved taking care of others and helping those in need.

Our favorite memories with Mimi were doing two of her favorite things, traveling and cooking. She enjoyed immersing herself in other cultures and experimenting with different cuisine. She was never afraid to experiment! Many of our family recipes are recipes that she worked on throughout the years until she got them just to her liking.

No matter how she was feeling, she never complained, and nothing else mattered to her other than her family being close and happy. Her unconditional love for everyone she met was also the best example of her faith.

Mimi had a long and love-filled life. She was born on November 17, 1941, in Eagle Pass, Texas, to two loving parents, Fructoso and Angelina Torres. Her father was a store manager, and her mother was a homemaker. Mimi has one sister Delfina Torres and two brothers, Adolfo Torres and Ricardo Torres. Mimi attended Catholic schools through college, graduating with a Home Economics degree from Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas.

One weekend, Mimi was home from college and met the love of her life, Gus, at a dance. They were married in 1964 in Eagle Pass, Texas. From the moment they met, they have been dedicated to each other and their ever-growing family.

Gus was in the Army and was able to live in many places around the world with Mimi. No matter where they lived, they made their house or apartment a faithful and loving home for their children, Gus (Leah), Marisa (Charles), and Nicole (Johnny). After 27 years in the military, Gus retired, and they retired in Huntsville, Alabama. They built a home based on their plan to have many grandchildren one day. Their dreams finally came true, beginning with Adam Wood, Abigail Wood, Andrew Wood, Luke Benavides, Veronica Benavides, Aaron Wood, Raquel Benavides, Marie Self, Johnny Self III, and Mary Wood.

She is preceded in death by her parents, daughter Marisa, and granddaughter Mary Wood.

We will miss Mimi dearly, but we are grateful for our time with her. We will always feel her presence in our hearts, and her love will live on with her husband, children, and grandchildren.