Mary A Colon-Cruz

Weslaco, TX—Mary A. Colon Cruz passed away at her home on June 17th, 2024. Mary was born on April 12th, 1947, in Weslaco to Julian and Margarita (Vela) Cantu. She was the second of 14 children.

Mary grew up in Weslaco, where she graduated high school. She continued her education, earning a Bachelor's Degree from Pan American University. Mary went to work for JJ Balli Pharmacy at the Medical Arts Plaza. She dedicated over thirty-five years to her career and the community. Mary was the friendly face that locals looked forward to seeing when they picked up their scripts. She retired in 2013 and continued keeping busy with her numerous hobbies thereafter. 

Later in life, Mary met her sweetheart, Candido Colon Cruz, when he visited the pharmacy where she worked. They became smitten and were wed on September 10th, 1989. Mary and Candido spent the next thirty-four years together as soul mates.

Mary, the second-born, was not just a sister, but a caregiver to her younger brothers and sisters. Her siblings fondly remember her selflessness and love; a standout memory is the way she made tortillas for the family as young as eight years old, a testament to her nurturing nature.

Mary is also remembered as a great woman of faith and a parishioner of San Martin de Porres Catholic Church of Weslaco. She attended mass weekly and prayed often. 

Mary's zest for life was infectious. She found joy in the simple pleasures, such as her love for tejano music, dancing, and gardening. However, those who knew her best would say that her favorite pastimes were gambling at the casinos in Louisiana and visiting the beaches of SPI or Corpus. Her vibrant spirit was often found at Pirate's Landing, one of her favorite restaurants, where she would bask in the sunshine and share her infectious smiles. 

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Julian and Margarita (Vela) Cantu; her brother, Jose Luis Cantu; and her brother-in-law, Sammy Martinez. 

She is survived by her husband, Candido Colon Cruz; her siblings, Julian Cantu (Carmen), Juana "Janie" Martinez (Sammy+), Esteban Cantu, Richard Cantu (Margaret), Guadalupe "Lupe" Cantu, Daniel Cantu (Sandy), Rogelio "Roy" Cantu, Margaret Camargo (Robert), Isabel De la Rosa (Roy), Irene Ibarra (Noe), Rafael Vela Cantu (Margie), Roberto Cantu (Shannon), Esteban Cantu; and her sister-in-law, Herlinda Linda Cantu. 

Her family will remember Mary as a loving and vibrant woman who cherished every moment of her life. May those who knew her find comfort in Mary's life and the memories she leaves behind. 

Visitation will be held at McCaleb Funeral Home on Thursday, June 20th, from 12 noon to 9 pm, with a Holy Rosary at 7 pm. It will continue on Friday from 10 am to 12:45 when we will depart for San Martin Catholic Church for Mass. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Park.