Melissa Cavazos

Melissa Elvia Cavazos, 64, of Victoria, entered into eternal rest surrounded by family on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Melissa was born on October 1, 1959 to Alcadio and Juanita Montana-Cavazos.
Melissa grew up on Lone Tree Road in Victoria, TX. She graduated from Stroman High School class of 1977. She was a proud member of the Raider Belles. Straight out of high school, she worked for McAdams Floral. Melissa later took on a position alongside her father and tio's at Alcoa in the smelting department, where she was the only woman at that time in that area. She later moved to Bay City, Tx to work for Phillips 66 Company as an operator and a Rescue Firefighter. Melissa found her way back to Victoria, Texas and started working as a substitute teacher for Victoria Independent School District and other schools in the crossroads community. She ultimately worked for Home Depot for over 20 years, in Cabinet Design and sales. Melissa was a perfectionist in her profession and knew how to do it well. She also found great purpose in Volunteering with CASA on her days off. She had a lifelong passion for helping and mentoring children.
Melissa lived in Alief, Texas for many years, where she would open her home to her family. She hosted many holidays and celebrations there. Melissa moved her mother in to live and care for her. Over the years, Melissa also housed her nieces and nephews. She loved them all so dearly as her own. Melissa spent so many summers and holidays taking them to amusement parks and trips. She showered each one with gifts. Tia Melissa was the greatest aunt anyone could ask for. When Melissa found out she was pregnant with her son, she knew right away she would name him after her daddy, Alcadio. Melissa was so proud to be a Cavazos. She was also proud to be her son Alcadio's mother, especially when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. She worked so hard to provide for Alcadio so he could have everything he wanted and needed. She did a phenomenal job at raising Alcadio to the man he is today. Alcadio and his wife Emily blessed Melissa with a beautiful granddaughter. Melissa was able to be on earth with Amalia for six months. She loved her so much and would light up when she talked about her. We know she would have won the award for being the best grandmother.
Melissa also enjoyed cooking for her friends and family on her days off, playing chess, going to the beach, and most of all just spending quality time with family and tons of friends. Melissa loved to travel all over the U.S.. She had big plans to retire and travel around the world. One of Melissa's favorite things to do was to eat exotic foods. She also found pleasure in buying antiques and collectors items. Melissa also liked getting together clothes and items to send to people in Mexico who really needed it. Whenever she would come across someone who was struggling, and if she could, Melissa would do whatever to help them. We believe God used Melissa to show people how to be kind and loving to one another.
Survivors of Melissa include her pride and joy, son, Alcadio Syed and his wife, Emily, and her newest pride and joy, granddaughter, Amalia. Her siblings include Jorge Cavazos and his wife, Irma; Teresa Williams and husband Ben; Anna Rivera; and Alcadio Cavazos Jr.; beloved nieces and nephews, Veronica Garcia, Kristen Cavazos, Ben Jr. and Samantha Williams, Victor Guevara, Stephen and Stephanie Rivera; many great-nephews and nieces who she absolutely adored, and other family members and numerous loving friends.
Melissa is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Lydia Lara, and brother-in-law, Oscar Rivera.
A gathering of Melissa's family and friends will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m., under the direction of Angel Lucy's Funeral Home, 706 East Crestwood, in Victoria. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 20th at 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 209 West River Street. A committal service will take place at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery at a later date where she will be laid to rest beside her parents and sister, Lydia.
Pallbearers include Alcadio Syed, Ben Williams, Ben Williams, Jr., Emilio Alvarez, Jr., Leo Pruett, and Stephen Solis. Honorary pallbearers include Ezekiel Alvarez, Elias Garcia, and Alessandra Garcia.
We would like to acknowledge Detar ICU doctors, nurses and staff for their kindness, support, and care. We would also like to give a heartfelt thanks to all of Melissa's friends and coworkers who were so kind to visit and love her.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions may be made to Golden Crescent Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).