MARY (NENA) CAVAZOS

January 17, 1938 - January 16, 2022

Mary (Nena) Cavazos On January 16, 2022, an Angel came and took the hand of Mary Cavazos, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. Our mom was born on January 17, 1938, and left this Earth on January 16, 2022, at the age of 83. She passed peacefully, at her home, surrounded by family. Our mom was preceded in death by her parents, Alfredo and Evangelina Botello, and her three sisters – Gloria Mann, Irma Arvizu, and Viola Barrios. She is survived by her husband, USAF SMSgt Raul Cavazos (retired); her four daughters – Molly, Anita (and Husband Abe Parazo), Melissa, and Cindy; her seven grandchildren – Ean, Nicole, Matthew, Erica, Andrea, Alana, and Sage; her six great-grandchildren – Elina, Evelyn, Avery, Nason, Aviendha, and Aria; and her sister, Connie Villalon. Professionally, our mom was a brilliant businesswoman. Her love was real estate. In particular, she enjoyed sharing her “secrets to success,” and in doing so, fostered many life-long friendships. But our mom’s ultimate purpose in life was her family, and she leaves with us a legacy filled with love, kindness, respect, strength, forgiveness, and understanding. Our mom also loved preparing amazing meals for family, friends, and even close business acquaintances. Treasured memories of these meals will be forever cherished, and her recipes, some of which she passed on, will be endlessly enjoyed. Our mom suffered from dementia, and in dealing with her dementia, she remained strong and never waivered from her commitment to us. She also never displayed anger towards her illness, but instead, showed complete trust and a relentless will to “stay with us.” Although painful to watch her decline (most especially for our dad), our mom’s beautiful spirit and strength persevered, and today, that spirit and strength keeps us “going forward” without looking back. Also, during this difficult time, our mom allowed us to learn of her more vulnerable side. Our mom’s most profound gift to each of us was a “love letter,” written years ago, but found on Christmas Day 2021. Our family is eternally grateful for our mom’s tireless caregivers, Olga and Mary, and for the staff at TRANSCEND HOSPICE, most especially Thelma, Janet, Marco, and Valeria, as well as Chaplains Victor and John. Our family will receive family and friends on Thursday, February 10, 2022, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm, at Mission Park (Medical Center) Funeral Home, 8332 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, Texas, with a rosary starting at 6:30pm. At noon on Friday, February 11, 2022, there will be a short service at the funeral home, followed by interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, at 1:30pm.