Cornelia Masso

Weslaco - Cornelia N. Masso, 94, of Weslaco, TX, went to be with our Lord on Saturday, April 3, 2021, surrounded by family and caregivers following a hard fought and lengthy illness. Cornelia was born in Brownsville, TX, on December 24, 1926, to Arthur (Bud) and Lucille (Lightbourne) Newton. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years Julian C. Masso, her parents, her two sisters, Betty Givens (John) and Mellie Newton of Brownsville, her one brother, Sonny Newton of Atlanta, Georgia, and a daughter Charlene Meade (Gary) of Harlingen.

She is survived by her two sons Arthur Masso (Rosie) of Harlingen, Marty Masso (Beth) of Weslaco, and her three daughters Lucy Murphy (Tom) of Weslaco, Dolly Robertson (Lance) of Corpus Christi, and Melissa Swanson (Robert) of Houston. Also remaining to celebrate with unbounded memories are numerous nieces and nephews and her thirteen grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren. All eight of her grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Gary Don Meade of Spring, Scott Meade of Harlingen, A.J. Masso of Harlingen, Seth Murphy of Sugar Land, Jake Masso of Dallas, Chad Masso of Dripping Springs will serve as pallbearers. Damon Murphy and Jason Murphy of Flower Mound will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Cornelia was a friend and acquaintance of hundreds of close individuals in both the Rio Grande Valley and West Texas (Lubbock and Plainview) where she resided for many years. In 1975 she and her husband, Julian, came to Weslaco, opened and managed the Boots n Jeans Western Wear shop at the Palm Plaza Shopping Center. Upon arriving in Weslaco, she and Julian became immediate members of the St Pius X Catholic Church and remained members throughout their lives. She and Julian served on many committees and served as ushers for many years. She was also a member of the St. Michael's Cenacle. Cornelia was devoted to her faith and anyone who knew her through conversation and/or visitation in her home can attest to her dedication to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her children and the rest of the family have grown up aware of that dedication and are thankful for her guidance and leadership in their spiritual as well as secular lives. A great cook, she was also known for her lavish meal presentation of various cuisines from throughout the world on those special occasions when her home would be burst full of family and friends invited for some festive event. She loved to entertain. Her family and friends meant everything to her.

Cornelia and Julian were world travelers and enjoyed every minute of their adventures. She ventured to Australia and New Zealand, made two trips to the African continent, visited relatives in South America, sailed the Panama Canal, could be spotted in Canada both in the eastern and western provinces, and because of her enjoyment with cruising she frequented most of the ports of Europe and the other inland countries on that continent including England, Switzerland, Austria, and others.. Alaska, Hawaii, New England and most of the U.S. major cities were on her list of places visited as well. Perhaps her most favorite was her Holy Land visit which served to inspire her further with her love and devotion to her faith. She lived a full and complete life, gathering many memories and friends along the way. She is going to be dearly missed.

The family wishes to thank Calidad Home Health Care of La Feria for their dedication and professional medical oversight to Cornelia's long-term care. We wish to give very special thanks also for the blessings that were provided by Cornelia's private in home 24/7 caregivers including: Sindy Pichal, Irma Espinoza, Queta Lerma, Mari Perez, Maria Lopez, Anita Alvarez, Sylvia Ocanas her hairdresser, Olga Gonzalez her CNA, and Olivia Closner her nurse. The work each of you performed and the constant love and concern you showed to our mother's care will always be remembered and appreciated. Three special Men of God must also be praised for their work and counsel throughout both Cornelia's life and recent illness Msgr. Louis Brum, Father Pat Seitz, and Father Luis F. Sanchez were especially important in their love and spiritual companionship for her. Thank you everyone for all the kindnesses you showed our mother and family during her illness and throughout the years.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 virus the family is having a private ceremony for immediate family members only. There will be a live stream Rosary on Wednesday, April 7th at 7:00 p.m. https://youtu.be/cPlmqEcpV_w , as well as a live stream funeral mass on Thursday, April 8th, at 2:00 p.m, https://www.facebook.com/mccalebfuneralhome/ . Both events will be conducted by the McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco, TX for individuals wishing to be a part of our celebration of Cornelia's life. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family at https://www.mccalebfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Cornelia-Masso/ . Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the McCaleb Funeral Home at 900 West Fourth, Weslaco, TX 78596.