Mary Candelaria Billegas

Mary Candelaria Lozano was born in San Antonio, Texas on February 2, 1937. She was one of nine children born from the union of Lorenzo Q. Lozano Sr. and Josephine (Moldonado) Lozano. She was educated through the eighth grade at St. Joseph Catholic School in Erie. where the family also worshipped.
In 1954, she married Martin Billegas. The couple shared in the birth of eight children. For many years, she cared for the needs of her family as a homemaker. As a parent she was strong and was more than willing to do anything for her children to keep them safe. An excellent cook, she made amazing tamales amongst other delicious dinners.
In 1973, Mary experienced enormous grief when she lost three beautiful daughters in a car accident. In 1980, she was forced to display resilience again when her husband passed.
Mary found joy in the simple things in life. She loved birds and people watching. To keep her mind sharp, she often worked on jigsaw and word search puzzles. She liked hanging with her boys, visiting family in Georgia, and especially spending time with grandchildren. She looked forward to her five daily scratch off tickets usually provided by her son-in-law: Tom.
After the passing of her son: John in 2019, she opened her home to his cat: Malley who was more like a dog. The two seemed to do everything together.
Mary Candelaria Billegas, age 88 of Newport passed away at home on Saturday; November 1, 2025. She had been under the care of her beloved children and Heartland Hospice. Her passing was preceded by her parents; three siblings: Alicia Zunigia, Richard Lozano, and Don Lozano; her beloved husband: Martin in 1980; a son: Domingo John Billegas in 2019; and three daughters: Rita, Jane, and Julie in 1973.
To cherish her memory she leaves two sons: Manuel (Lori) Billegas and Matias (Lois) Billegas both of Erie; two daughters: Sylvia (Tom) Jenkins of Newport and Lydia (Randy) Bezeau of Cartersville, GA; nine grandchildren: Manuel Billegas Jr., Tonya (Chas) Mann, Amber (Deandre) Barnes, Matias Billegas Jr., Natasha Billegas, Martin Billegas, Anthony Billegas, Sylvia (Steven) Warrick-Lieto, and Ronald Lieto; seven great grandchildren: Austin Mann, Camryn Mann, Desiree Wick, Anthony Billegas, Eli Bezeau, Layla Bezeau; and Baby Avery on the way; and five siblings: Alfred Lozano, Lorenzo (Rayann) Lozano Jr., Hope White, Theresa (Refugio) Reyes, and Gloria (Bill) Cook.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 6:00pm on Sunday; November 9, 2025, at Merkle Funeral Service; South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Her Life will be held at 11:00am on Monday; November 10, 2025, also at Merkle's with Father Henrico Rebello officiating. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery in Erie, Michigan.
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