Maria Luisa Cavazos Sikes, known to her friends as Mary Lou, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. Mary Lou was born to Ramon T. Cavazos and Margarita Villarreal Cavazos on February 25, 1938 in San Benito, Texas.
Mary Lou graduated from Villa Maria High School in Brownsville, Texas in 1957. She earned an Associate’s Degree in 1959 at Texas Southmost College. She went on to attend Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1961. After graduation, she started her career as an elementary teacher at El Jardin Elementary in Brownsville, Texas. She concluded her career at Resaca Elementary in 1997 after 36 years of dedicated service as an elementary school teacher. Throughout her tenure, she worked passionately, always going above and beyond to ensure that every student not only enjoyed learning but was also empowered to set goals and strive for success. After her “official retirement”, Mary Lou continued her passion for teaching by substituting and working with adults learning English as a Second Language.
Her parents, Ramon T. Cavazos and Margarita Villarreal Cavazos, preceded Mary Lou in death. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Ed Sikes, her son, Eddie Sikes (Erika), daughter, Laura Sikes and three grandchildren: Alexandria, Benjamin and Katherine Sikes. Two brothers: Lionel Cavazos, Humberto Cavazos (Christina), one sister, Mary Ann Cavazos Carrillo (ConradV), one sister-in-law, Sue Vasquez (Jose), numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephew, a loving extended family, and their “compadres”, Nelson and Carla Permenter (Jackie – Goddaughter).
Mary Lou’s journey on earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. She had a profound impact on each person she interacted with. Mary Lou was courageous, inspirational, kind and loving. She showed her family what can be accomplished with determination, persistence and above all else faith in the Lord and our blessed mother, the Virgin Mary. Mary Lou was a deeply caring and responsible person, balancing her love for her parents with her future aspirations. Before marrying Ed (the love of her life), she made sure her parents were well taken care of, creating a comfortable and beautiful home for them. This shows her selflessness and commitment to her family.
Mary Lou loved spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed gatherings to celebrate special sacraments, holidays and milestones. She also loved traveling with the love of her life, Ed and her beautiful daughter, Laura. Road trips included stops at locations such as New Orleans, Colorado, Oregon, New Mexico, and Las Vegas. During these trips, she made it a point to visit Catholic churches and other sacred locations. Her son, Eddie and his family would meet up with them at University of North Texas (UNT) football games and family reunions.
Mary Lou’s greatest pride and joy were her children, grandchildren, and siblings. She radiated with pride as she celebrated their successes and milestones, always taking immense joy in their achievements. When her children or siblings needed comfort or guidance, Mary Lou had a remarkable ability to offer the perfect words of reassurance. With her nurturing spirit, she was a constant source of strength, always reminding them that God would never fail them. Her wisdom, love, and unwavering faith brought solace and hope during times of need, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Mary Lou’s memory will continue to live on and inspire faith, strength, resilience, and generosity in those whose lives she touched.
The family of Mary Lou would like to express their deepest gratitude to her “angels on earth” – Nelly Padilla, Adriana Slappy, Alma Espinoza, Rebeca Paczka, Hilda Rodarte, and the caring staff with American Medical Hospice Care. Each of these remarkable individuals had a special and meaningful relationship with Mary Lou, ensuring that she was well taken care of in the comfort of her loving home. Their unwavering support and devotion were a source of strength for Mary Lou, and words cannot fully convey the deep appreciation and affection the entire family has for them. Their kindness, compassion, and care made all the difference, and they will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Mary Lou’s family.
On Saturday, January 11, 2025, recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place at 10:00 a.m. followed by a funeral mass that will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Works of Mercy at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Brownsville, TX.
Services are under the guidance of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Flower Shop. 657 Springmart Blvd., Brownsville, Texas. (956) 350-8485
5 Comments
To Mr. Sikes, Eddie and Laura,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved wife and mother.
It was a pleasure getting to know Mary Lou through our Faulk Middle School
professional relationship. It was evident that your love was special.
May all the memories you created as a family continue to inspire you and
remain in your memories of your wonderful times together.
She is now teaching in heaven, after a beautiful career that she pursued
in BISD. May she rest in peace!
Dearest Cavazos family my heart goes out to you all. She was such beautiful, kind soul that made her shine. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmothe, ,sister & beloved Prima. May The Perpetual Light Shine on her soul. RIP Prima, Mary Lou
Laura and family my sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved mother. May God provide the strength and peace during this difficult time.
Sikes and Cavazos families my deepest condolences. Your sister lived a full life and was blessed to always have her family close.
May eternal rest grant upon her. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May She Rest In Peace.
Laura and Mary Ann: My sincere condolences for the passing of your mother and sister, respectively. May our Lord Jesus with the intercession of our Blessed Mother, Mary will give you strength and comfort during this difficult time💐♥️
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