Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Maria Alma Benavidez, known affectionately as Alma to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, at the age of 81 in Edinburg, Texas. Born on November 25, 1943, in Hargill, Texas, to Marcos and Micaela Munoz, Alma's life was a tapestry of love, service, and vibrant color, woven through her every action and relationship.
Alma's early life in Hargill laid a strong foundation for the woman she would become. Her dedication to her community was evident in her long-standing career at the Hidalgo County courthouse, where she served with distinction for 25 years. Her commitment to public service was not just a job but a calling, as she believed in the power of helping others and contributing to the greater good.
Her family was the center of Alma's world. She is survived by her loving children, Manuel Benavidez and Sue Ann Villarreal, and her son-in-law Jaime Villarreal. Alma's legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Manuel Benavidez IV, Jaclyn Renee Benavidez, Amy Denise Benavidez, Karina Giselle Villarreal, Jaime Villarreal Jr., Emmanuel Benavidez, Adelaida Benavidez, and three great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy and pride. Her siblings, Isabel Salazar, Olga Serna, and Marcos Munoz Jr., will carry fond memories of their sister, whose presence was a blessing in their lives. Alma was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved Husband Mr. Manuel Benavidez.
Alma's faith was the cornerstone of her existence. She lived her beliefs through acts of kindness, generosity, and a loving spirit that touched everyone she met. Her faith-filled life was an inspiration to many, guiding them through her example of grace and compassion.
Her personal interests brought splashes of her favorite color, red, to all aspects of her life. From her microwave to her toaster, and even her car, Alma's love for the color red was more than a preference—it was a reflection of her vibrant personality and the love she had for life.
Those who knew Alma will remember her as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her generous nature was evident in every interaction, and her ability to make those around her feel valued and loved will be deeply missed. She had a unique gift for making each person feel like the most important person in the world, a trait that endeared her to many.
As we say farewell to Alma, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of love, faith, and generosity. Her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched. Alma's memory will be cherished and honored by all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her influence will be felt for generations to come.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a Rosary to be prayed at 7:00 pm at Rivera at Hillcrest Funerals and Cremations, 1300 N. I-69 C in Edinburg. Funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow to Hillcrest Memorial Par Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Rivera at Hillcrest Funerals and Cremations of Edinburg.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maria Alma Benavidez, please visit our floral store.