Cynthia Benavidez

Cynthia Ann Benavidez, 70, of Kerrville, passed away on September 12th, from complications of her lifelong battle with Type 1 diabetes. Cindy was born in San Antonio, Texas to Hilaria and Pedro Villaseñor on November 11,1950. She was an honor student, class president and graduate of Burbank High School in San Antonio. She went on to study computer programming at San Antonio College where she would meet the love of her life Eliodoro (Lolo). They would go on to marry in 1973 and move to Austin so Lolo could study and graduate from pharmacy school. Cindy dedicated her life to the nurturing of beauty in others, first in raising her children, Adrien and Valerie, next as a teacher's aide with her Pre-K bilingual elementary school children, and her most cherished people, her grandchildren: Charles, Elio and Ana Lucía. Cindy was a certified Master Gardener and could talk the most dying weeds into glory. She was fierce in her love for her community and was a dedicated neighbor and friend. She believed in civic duty and spent many election cycles volunteering as an election worker, and for decades a newspaper clipping of Ann Richard's electoral win for Governor of Texas hung on the refrigerator. Her love of arts and crafts was only rivaled by her love of animals, especially strays and wildlife. Doves, deer and even squirrels found a kind hand to help them get back on their feet in her backyard. The little things in life meant the world to her and she touched many hearts in this manner. She sent countless letters, cards, presents and tokens of affection to many, some she may have known for years and others for just days. She understood the power in personal connection and kindness, and that you can never judge a book by its cover. Having spent her life battling a difficult illness, she was no stranger to doctors' offices, long hospital stays, setbacks and complications. She was a proud breast cancer survivor. Through it all she radiated courage, an iron will and unending hope and positivity. She was not one to dwell on the past and believed firmly that almost any occasion was a reason for an elaborate celebration. All of this lives on in her legacy. She is survived by her husband of 48 years Eliodoro Benavidez of Kerrville; daughter Valerie Benavidez and son-in-law Michael Fisher of Austin and their two children Elio and Ana Lucía; grandson Charles Benavidez of Austin; brother Peter Villaseñor and sister-in-law Lynn Villaseñor of Fairfax, VA, and countless loving family members of the Benavidez and Villaseñor families. As well as her constant companions, her dogs Bear and Molly. She is preceded in death by her mother Hilaria Villaseñor, her father Pedro Villaseñor and her son Adrien Benavidez. Cindy was insistent on joy and laughter and was adamant that there would be ''no crying at a church funeral service'' over her. She was strong in her faith and was a lifelong Catholic but did not want a traditional funeral. The family will plan a celebration of her life in the coming months to gather and honor her wishes. The family would like to extend a special message of thanks and gratitude to all of her doctors over the years, many who she loved like family, for their constant care and attention. Donations can be made in her memory to some of her favorite organizations: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The Humane Society, and Texas Freedom Network. Sign Guestbook>> 10 Condolence(s) Kara Feasel Bandera, TX Monday, September 20, 2021 I met Cynthia many years ago while taking care of her father, Pedro. She was always a joy to talk to & her laugh would light up any room. Kara Bandera, TX Monday, September 20, 2021 I met Cynthia many years ago while taking care of her father, Pedro. She was always a joy to talk to & her laugh would light up any room. Johanna Ramirez-Rangel Kerrville, TX Monday, September 20, 2021 My condolences to you Lolo and Valerie. So very sorry to hear about Cindy passing. Sending prayers to give you the strength during this time. May God bless you both. Hugs, Johanna Lewis and Celia Shores Kerrville, TX Sunday, September 19, 2021 Sorry to hear of the passing of a truly beautiful soul. God Bless Lolo. Maria R. Lichnovsky Center Point, TX Saturday, September 18, 2021 Good bye to my dearest best friend. Cindy was like a sister to me, a confident loyal companion whom I shared great days when we worked together for eight years in the school setting. She was so great with our children entrusted in our care. I will always treasure those precious memories that we shared together. May her family find comfort in each other as the days go by. She will be truly missed. Richard And Esther Garza San Antonio, TX Saturday, September 18, 2021 Our condolences to You Lolo for your loss. Sending prayers to give you the strength during this time. Our condolences to you family. May God bless you. Richard And Esther Garza San Antonio, TX Saturday, September 18, 2021 Our condolences to You Lolo for your loss. Sending prayers to give you the strength during this time. Our condolences to you family. May God bless you. Donna Bueché Kerrville, TX Friday, September 17, 2021 I loved Cindy as a sister of my heart. I will cherish all the wonderful times we spent together, the laughs and serious conversations on life and the struggles of the terrible disease of diabetes that we shared. She will always be part of thoughts and someday we will laugh together again. Lynette and Jim Urquhart Kerrville, TX Wednesday, September 15, 2021 We are so sad to hear of Cindy's passing. I just told Angie that I never saw her without a smile. What a special gift she was to y'all and anyone that knew her. Lolo and Valorie (or Val as you go by now), may God grant you peace and understanding. Priscilla &jim tucker Temple, TX Tuesday, September 14, 2021 I'm so sorry for ur loss I loved her as s sister I know u miss her as much as I do I love u all and pray ur grief will be short we have several people praying for all of us Cindy was such a loving person I don't know if I will ever get over the loss in my heart I had for her god bless all of u I know ur heart is heavy too love u all Priscilla &Jim tucker