Our Heavenly Father has taken our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to be with the Lord on December 20, 2021. She was 72 years old.
Mary Ann was born August 10, 1949, in Reese, Michigan, to the late John and Helen Villareal. She married Carlos Benavides February 6, 1967; he survives her. Mary Ann was a wonderful mother and homemaker taking care of her five children. She also acted as an honorary mom and grandma to many people in her neighborhood. Mary Ann worked at El Pato Grocery for many years and also worked at Saginaw Career Complex. Mary Ann was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Anthony of Padua Church. She loved cooking, baking. She was an excellent tamale maker. She also enjoyed gambling, especially playing bingo and cards. Above all else, Mary Ann loved having her family around her.
She will be greatly missed by her husband, Carlos, her five children: Teresa (Freddie G.) Benavides, Richard Benavides, Mario (Joaquina) Benavides, John (Nikki) Benavides, and Steven Benavides; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, three Godchildren: Desiree Benavides, Joaquin Villareal and Juanita Avila; five siblings: Nancy Perez, Simona (Remedios) Orsonio, Beatrice Villareal, Frank (Paula) Villareal and Rose Corr; sisters-in-law: Kathy Villareal, Wendy Villareal, and Shari Villareal; a special nephew, Jack Villareal, special cousins: Jesus and Elizabeth Villareal, and Richard and Martha Villareal; a special friend, Graciela Favela, as well as many other relatives and friends.
She is predeceased by her parents, and four siblings: Bonifacio Villareal, Margret Villareal, John Villareal Jr., and Tony Villareal.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the people at DaVita Dialysis and the Commission on Aging.
Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Anthony of Padua Church, 3680 S. Washington Rd., Saginaw. Rev. Fr. Frank Voris O.F.M. Cap will officiate with burial to follow in Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00-8:00 pm on Monday, January 3, 2022, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Rd., Saginaw, as well as at the church Tuesday from 9:00 am until the time of service.