Mary Tichenor

Harlingen- Mary Stillman Tichenor (formerly Mary Stillman), age 86, of Harlingen, TX, passed away at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen on May 5, 2023.  Mary was born on September 16, 1936, in Sebastian, TX.  Mary was married to the love of her life, the late Master Sergeant Lawrence B. Tichenor, USMC (Ret).  Both were employed at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, where they raised Mary’s children, Joseph, Anthony, and Richard.  Mary was a dedicated, hard worker who did all she could to support her family. At times she would hold two jobs just to make ends meet. She worked as a Seamstress and Assistant Quartermaster for the Marine Military Academy for many years before retiring. Mary was a devoted and loving mother.  She was very proud of her family and her pride and joy were her 10 grandchildren.  Mary was known for her love and dedication to her family and served as an extended mother to hundreds of MMA Cadets from 1972 to 2000. She was most proud of her endless dedication to MMA. In her time at MMA, she impacted many lives and served as a second mom to many cadets who were far away from home. She worked endlessly to make cadets feel at home by providing a hug and a warm smile when one was needed. She founded the Parents’ Club which then brought forth the MMA bus (White Goose as it was labeled) for all cadets to be shuttled to the movies and the mall. Up until her very last days she reminisced about how she enjoyed serving the cadets at MMA. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

She is survived by her two children, Joseph S. Rodriguez (Maria) of Mission, TX, and Richard S. Rodriguez (Karmina) of Rancho Viejo, TX, and sister Nellie Altman, along with many adored nieces, nephews, cousins, and grandchildren. Mary is also survived by her long-time provider, Olivia Piña, whose compassionate love and care were invaluable. She was preceded in death by her husband and son, Anthony "Tony" Rodriguez, brothers and sisters, Joe Stillman, Elva Morris, Estella Villafranca, George Stillman, and Mary Lou Cavazos.

A Viewing will be held at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 US-77 Bus., San Benito on Thursday, May 11th, from 2-9 pm, with a rosary at 7 pm. Burial of cremated remains will be scheduled at a later date.