Mary B. Elizondo

MARY B. ELIZONDO PHARR – Mary B. Elizondo, 80, died Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at McAllen Heart Hospital. Born in Corpus Christi, TX, Mrs. Elizondo moved to the Valley in 1960 and lived in Pharr most of her life. She worked at Sears, in the Credit Department where she met and made numerous friends. In November 23, 1974, Mary and her husband, Armando opened Armando’s Taco Hut in Pharr. Mrs. Elizondo was an avid volunteer at the Pharr Chamber of Commerce as well as in the community. She also served as Chairperson for the Pharr Greeters Club. Mary helped organize Pharr Crime Stoppers where she served on the board as well as an Officer. Mrs. Elizondo was part of many clubs and organizations, some included: Rio Grande Valley Chamber of Commerce, Valley Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association, Texas Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association, National Federation of Independent Business, and Organization of Business Women. In January of 1987, Mary was named “Woman of the Year” by the Pharr Boys and Girls Club. As owners of Armando’s Taco Hut, Armando and Mary always rendered support and sponsorship to the Boys and Girls Club. She is preceded in death by her husband, Armando Elizondo; and a sister, Norma Castillo. Mary is survived by three sons, Armando (Elida) Elizondo, Jr. of McAllen, Mickey (Sylvia) Elizondo of Pharr, Oscar (Gloria) Elizondo of Mercedes; three daughters, Elizabeth Briones of Houston, TX, Betty Sue (Valentin Villarreal) Elizondo of McAllen, Diana “Dee” Diaz of San Antonio, TX; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; six siblings, Camilo Balderas, Blas Balderes, Victor Balderas, all of Corpus Christi, TX, Janie Perez of Georgia, Isabel Rockwell of Abilene, TX, and Amelia Dukes of Wichita, Kansas. Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service today, March 7, 2013, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, March 8, 2013, at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in San Juan. Interment will follow at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.