Mrs. Adelaida Benavides Barrera

February 21, 2022

Adelaida Benavides Barrera went to heaven on February 21, 2022 in her home while praying the holy rosary a week shy of her 92nd birthday. She was born the third of ten siblings to Celestino Benavides and Trinidad Garcia from Realitos, Texas on March 1, 1930. Soon after graduating as Valedictorian of her class in 1949, she married the love of her life, Octavio Clemente Barrera on December 31, 1950. Together they raised five children and lived in Falfurrias, Brownsville, Harlingen, and Santa Rosa. Adelaida, like her husband, had many talents and ventured into various endeavors until she landed on her true gift…baking. “Barrera’s Cake Shop” kept her busy for 25 years until she officially retired in 1996. Although the cake shop is no longer active, the aromas of cakes baking in the oven and the taste of the “pansitas” topped with icing will forever live on in our hearts and memories, even those who stopped by to book a cake would get a taste. She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Octavio Clemente and her son, Octavio Derly. She is survived by her children: Msgr. Gustavo Barrera and Luis Barrera from McAllen, Aracelli Merla of Santa Rosa, Derly’s widow, Velia Ramon of Harlingen, Mario Barrera (Dolly) of Leander, eleven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews. Viewing will begin at 2:00 pm with the Vigil at 7:00 pm, Friday, February 25 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Saturday. Burial will take place at Sacred Heart Burial Park in Falfurrias when the family arrives. (no formal procession) The family wishes to express gratitude to the Mt. Sinai Hospice personnel and Kreidler Funeral Home for their kindness. In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution to Our Lady of Sorrows Church or your local Parish.