Obituary of Dora M. Benavides

Dora M. Benavides, 67, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2018, at Sagebrook Health Center in Cedar Park, Texas.

Dora was a long-time employee of the City of San Benito, serving more than 20 years as a utility clerk.

It is challenging to contain this description of Dora to a limited word count, as Dora lived life exceeding every limitation with strength and compassion. She lived to serve and found fulfillment in caring for others. Whether it was providing a place to call home or warm cooked meal, Dora was always there for everyone.

After her valiant fight with colon cancer in 2010 and six years of remission, Dora’s battle resumed in 2017. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith, and the love of family and friends carried her beyond every life expectancy prognosis. She did not accept defeat and she bravely left this world peacefully on her terms when she was ready to rest eternally.

She was preceded in death by her mother Virginia “Pinka” De La Cerda, step-father Steve “Honey” Elam, father Raul Cavazos, sister Janie Perez, and brother-in-law Roque Perez.

She is survived by her sons Manuel Benavides (Amina) and Hector Serna (Sandra); precious grandchildren Idris Benavides, Emre Benavides, Aaron Serna, and Sydney Serna; sisters Gloria Martinez, Lulu Cavazos, Letty Gomez, Linda Torres, and Sylvia Trejo; brother Rolando Cavazos; niece Stephanie De La Cerda; nephews Rocky Perez, Roman Perez, Lee Roy Perez; Balty Ramirez, and Sunday Ramirez; and step-mother Julia Cavazos.

Visitation will begin Friday, November 23, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, Texas.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 24, 2018, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 351 S. Bowie, San Benito, Texas with cremation to follow in accordance with her wishes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in memory of Dora Benavides to Cameron County Animal Shelter, 27412 San Jose Ranch Rd., San Benito, Texas 78586

You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Dora M. Benavides at: www.thomaegarza.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.