Obituary of Maria Benita Somohano

MARIA BENITA HERRERA SOMOHANO MCALLEN -It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, whose Guardian Angel has returned her to her Almighty Father. Maria Benita Herrera Somohano was called to the Lord on December 18, 2020. She was born on March 17, 1931 in Edinburg, Texas to Francisca and Cayetano Herrera. She was affectionately known to her brothers, sisters and many nephews and nieces as Cora. She graduated from Edinburg High School in 1949. After graduation, she attended Edinburg Regional College, where she studied shorthand. It was while working as a secretary for the director of the County Health Unit that Benita met several nurses who inspired her to become a nurse herself. Benita attended The John Sealy College of Nursing at the University of Texas in Galveston where she was a member of the Legion of Mary. She obtained her Diploma in Nursing on June 4, 1954. Her graduation class consisted of only twelve graduates. She worked at John Sealy Hospital in Galveston before returning home to work in the OR and Pediatric Unit at McAllen General Hospital. For 35 years, Benita worked in the ECISD as a School Nurse for Lincoln, Sam Houston, Travis and Stephen F. Austin elementary schools. She was a compassionate and empathetic nurse who was always ready to lend a hand to others in need. She met her beloved husband, Horacio, through a friend, and they were married for 58 years before his passing in August 2014. Benita and Horacio were Lifetime Members of the Texas Exes. They enjoyed attending events in Austin and demonstrated interest in all things UT. She was an avid reader of The Alcalde, reading each issue from cover to cover. She honored Horacio’s interest in UT football by tuning in each Saturday to watch the Longhorns play. Benita and Horacio inspired their three daughters and six of their twelve grandchildren to pursue their dreams at Texas. Benita was lovingly known by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as “Grandmommy.” She was an active part of each and every one of their lives from birth and into adulthood. Benita is survived by her four children: Rosie Guerra (John), Martha Rios (Bobby), Norma Mendiola (Joe), and Horacio “Trae” Somohano, III (Rebecca); twelve grandchildren: Amanda, Carlo (Amy), Marita, Andre, John Erich, Brianna, Emilio, Lorenzo, Diego, Marcelo, Sophia and Santiago; and two great-grandchildren: Ava and Luke Guerra. Benita’s sister, Maria Elisa Lester, resides in Henderson, Nevada. Benita and Horacio were parishioners at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church since their move to McAllen in 1965. She donated her time to many charitable organizations. Benita enjoyed reminiscing and retelling the stories of her ancestors. She loved gardening and spending her time surrounded by family. A private funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in McAllen. Interment will follow at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr. Pallbearers will be Carlo Alan Guerra, Lorenzo Horacio Somohano, Andre Rios, Emilio Mendiola, Diego Mendiola, Marcelo Mendiola, and Santiago Mendiola. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Adoration Chapel at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.