 Benavides, Texas - Maria M. Salas, 98, a beloved wife, mother, and matriarch, peacefully returned to her Heavenly Father on April 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on August 4, 1926, to Anastacio and Cipriana (de los Santos) Mercado, she came into the world on a ranch once known as Las Lagunas Negras near Falfurrias, Texas.
Her childhood was rooted in the quiet rhythms of life in Premont, and in her teenage years, her family settled in Concepcion, Texas, where her father became a pillar of the community—owning a general store, a movie theater, selling gasoline, and later, operating a beloved dancehall. At just fifteen, Maria met the love of her life, Atilano. Their paths crossed at an Easter gathering in 1942, where a glance sparked a lifelong love. They were united in marriage on August 25, 1945, and celebrated their honeymoon at the Hamilton Hotel in Laredo. Their marriage, rich in love and partnership, spanned fifty beautiful years until Atilano’s passing in 1995. Together, they raised six children—four sons and two daughters—building a life grounded in faith, warmth, and enduring devotion. Maria was the heart of the Salas family, her love a guiding light and her home a sanctuary. Nothing brought her more joy than the moments spent surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her home was the cornerstone of countless celebrations, from holiday gatherings to spontaneous visits, each moment lovingly preserved in the photographs that adorned her walls. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Atilano, her parents, and her son Humberto Salas. She is survived by her sister, Hortencia Cantu, and her children: Gloria (Corando) Alaniz, Atilano (Melba) Salas, Esperanza (Ovidio) Cavazos, Ricardo (Joyce) Salas, and Daniel (Cindy) Salas. Maria’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Her gentle spirit, enduring faith, and boundless love will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. A visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home in San Diego, Texas, followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary. Interment will take place thereafter at Benavides Cemetery in Benavides, Texas. Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.
1 Comment
ROGELIO "ROY" (Meza) Garza Benavides, Tx.
4/20/2025 10:30:00 am
My Condolences to you and your family. A special Heartfelt condolences to my 1973 A.P.H.S. classmate Esperanza (Salas) Cavazos. She lived a long life, nevertheless @98 years it's really never enough to lose someone as near & dear as a Beloved Mother. ( I can emphasize with you'll) They tend to be your true blue friends until the end of time. How I recall when in Alice, Tx. when I'd go to Radio Shack "Bert" was always eager to lend a helping hand. I always told him he had the kind of voice to that of a Disk Jokey. Esperanza how I recall especially the wonderful times we shared in Junior High. Embedded memories to last me a lifetime. Again one can never find the right words to say as consolation but again to reiterate I am very sorry for the loss of your Mother. May Our Heavenly Father welcome her into his ever loving arms where all her loved ones await & rejoice that she is finally home with them as well. Take my sweet & dear friend.P. S. I remember "she" was our homeroom mother as well. Leave a Reply. |
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