Mary Henrietta Benavides' Obituary
Passed away quietly in her sleep on February 2, 2009. Having recently celebrated her 94th birthday with the family she loved, it was noted that she lived a long and healthy life and that she so enjoyed being surrounded by her loving family. A lifetime resident of Dallas, Mrs. Benavides was preceded in the passing of her mother, Maria Castano; husband, Roy B. Benavides, Sr.; and daughter, Mary Christine Downs. Mrs. Benavides is the daughter of Maria Castano, who for several years owned and operated her own business, the popular Dallas restaurant El Poblano. It was there that she met her future husband, Roy B. Benavides, Sr. They celebrated 63 years of marriage when he passed away in 2000. Mrs. Benavides is survived by her daughter, Henrietta McAlister and husband Bob; son, Roland Benavides and wife Mary; son, Roy B. Benavides, Jr. and wife Mariana; and son, Robert Estrada and wife Candy. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members. Mrs. Benavides was a kind, loving and thoughtful daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and neighbor, who was loved and adored by all who met her. She was a quiet, gentle and dignified spirit who preferred the company of her family, but who never turned a stranger in need away. She especially loved children and her house was always full of fun and laughter with her children and their friends. The family will honor her passing with a graveside service at Restland Memorial Park at 1:00 pm, Friday, February 6, 2009. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital; 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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