Maria Cavazos

Maria P. Cavazos, a beloved Mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, and mighty prayer warrior, went to her heavenly home on January 4, 2024, at Knapp Medical Center. She was born in Arcabuz, Mexico to Victorino and Carolina (Ibarra) Peña. 

While shopping at the Piggly Wiggly in Elsa, Texas, Maria met her soulmate in the produce section. Maria married Fortunato Cavazos Jr. on July 17, 1955. They farmed in Hargil, Texas, for more than five years and, in 1963, moved and raised their family in Weslaco. 

Maria dedicated over 20 years of her life working for Weslaco ISD in the cafeteria from 1980 to 2000. She served the Lord all her life. Some of her words on her last afternoon were: “God has been so good to me, and He has never left me. Even if I go tonight, He is being good to me.”

Maria was known for her beautiful spirit and caring nature. She radiated compassion and loyalty towards her family and was deeply loved by them. Her warm personality touched the lives of everyone she encountered.

One of Maria's joys in life was gardening. She had a green thumb and found solace in nurturing her plants. She loved animals, nurturing many small dogs, countless cats and a beloved “cotorito” that would welcome you with “What you doing?” Additionally, she loved to draw and bake, and one of her favorite recipes was "pan duro." Although Maria worked full-time, she was a wonderful homemaker. 

Above all else, Maria's faith held a central place in her heart. She was an active member of the Pentecostal church. As a youth, Maria served as a worship leader and Sunday School teacher. Her devoutness shone through in her daily actions as she diligently read her Bible, listened to gospel songs, and could effortlessly quote scripture whenever needed.

Maria is preceded in death by her parents, Victorino and Carolina Pena; her husband, Fortunato Cavazos Jr.; her siblings, Josué, Raul, Ezekiel, Efraín, Teofilo "Phil," Horacio, Alicia (infant), Alicia 2, and Irene Peña.

Her loving children survive Maria: Joel Cavazos (Becky), Dr. Rosa Maria Gonzaléz (Humberto),  Jaime Cavazos (Patty), Arturo Cavazos (Natale), Samuel Cavazos, Javier Cavazos (Alma), and Elizabeth Ayala (Arturo), brother, Samuel Peña (Ester), and brother-in-law Aniceto Cavazos (Minerva), grandchildren, Priscilla Sovkoplas (Karl), Silas Cavazos, Daniel Cavazos (Brenda), Alisha Gonzaléz, Victor Gonzaléz, Christopher Cavazos, Jennifer Cavazos, Rosalinda Cavazos, Dr. Leora E. Collins (Hunter), Arturo Cavazos Jr. (Sareh), Scarlett Packer, Samuel J. Cavazos, Ketzia Salazar (Edward), Carolina Marie Cavazos, Roberto Ruelas, Ginnette Ruelas, Sara Beth Ayala, Darlene Outlaw (Warren+), Steven Ayala,  great-grandchildren, Kyril, Roman, and Felix Sovkoplas, Jakey, Claire, and Leah Cavazos, Ashley Hernandez, Romeo Hernandez, Desiree Hernandez, Jasmine Castellano, Mila Rose Rodriguez, Colton, Viviana, and Hunter Liam Collins, Henry, Jack, and Audrey Cavazos, Adalyn and Luca Cavazos, and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. 

Visitation will occur on January 10, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco, Texas, with a Celebration of Life at 6 pm. The funeral service will be held on January 11, 2024, at McCaleb Funeral Home starting at 10:00 am, with a burial following at Highland Memorial Park at 11:00 am. All services will be officiated by Maria's nephew, Rev. Efraín Pena Jr. The pallbearers will be grandsons: Christopher Cavazos, Robert Ruelas, Arturo Cavazos, Jr., Victor H. Gonzalez, Samuel J. Cavazos, and Daniel J. Cavazos. Honorary will be the granddaughters: Leora Collins, Priscilla Sovcoplas, Jennifer Cavazos, Ketzia Salazar,  Ginnette Ruelas, Alisha Gonzalez, Carolina Cavazos, and Sarah Beth Ayala. 

Maria P. Cavazos will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched with her kindness and love. Her legacy of compassion and faith will continue to inspire generations to come. May she rest in eternal peace.