Faith, Love and Beauty

Christine Ann Benavides (nee Woszczynski) was born October 15, 1945 and passed from the earthly realm early the morning of October 16, 2022 after a long illness. A woman of iron will, she had insisted on reaching her 77th birthday and achieved that milestone before succumbing at home in Austin, Texas, surrounded by birthday flowers and cards bearing the kind thoughts of the many who loved her.

Christine was born to parents William Woszczynski and Isabel Panfil in a Polish-American enclave on Chicago's South Side. She took great pride in her Polish heritage and Catholic faith. She attended the Catholic school of Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Chicago for her primary education prior to moving to Joliet, Illinois in her teen years where she attended Joliet Township High School.

She met her future husband and eternal love of her life Roberto Benavides at a Polka dance in 1964. She turned down Roberto's first two requests to dance, but his persistence bore fruit, as after she acquiesced and they finally danced together they each knew they had met the person they would one day wed. Christine and Roberto cemented their union November 26, 1966 after learning that Roberto would be drafted into the US Army, where he served in Korea.

Upon her husband's return from overseas, Christine and Roberto raised five children in Aurora and Sandwich, Illinois. Outside of her duties as homemaker, Christine was involved in her children's schools and supportive and proud of their many extracurricular activities, such as softball, baseball, football, track, NHS and many others. She participated extensively as a lector in her local church and taught Catholic education classes, lighting the spark of faith in young people.

Christine loved children and expressed that her greatest ambition in life had always been to create a large, happy, loving family. She delighted in meeting her granddaughter, Leah Rachel, with whom she shared a special bond and spent many moments playing, telling stories & sharing laughter.

After raising their children, Christine and her husband embarked on a new chapter in their life - a grand adventure - when they escaped the cold by relocating from Illinois to Austin, Texas, following Roberto's retirement from Southwestern Bell.

Although a native Midwesterner, Christine gladly embraced Texas as her home for the next 28 years. She adored the sunshine and literal and metaphorical warmth of her adopted state.

Christine was a petite woman, but her small frame contained an enormous personality. She considered no one a stranger and possessed a joyful, childlike exuberance, a quick wit and a strong sense of humor. She always left an impression on those who met her, who enjoyed her candor, gift for storytelling and infectious laughter.

She held steadfast convictions, never shied from speaking her mind and was always absolutely, genuinely, unapologetically herself. She was ever a champion of the underdog and showed true Christian compassion to those in need.

An admirer of beauty, Christine was drawn to things that reflected her sparkling character - whether it be a flower, a butterfly, a porcelain doll, a bauble she found in a thrift shop, or an interesting cocktail ring. She was a collector of pretty objects - a physical representation of her drive to fill her life with light and happiness. She had fun putting together the perfect outfit when dressing up and showed grace and elegance in everything she did.

In later life, she enjoyed being active in the church, spending time with her family and close friend Connie Moreno, and relaxing in the constant companionship of her "heart dog" Bella and cat, Sunshine.

Her family takes comfort in the knowledge that she is now at rest in the welcoming presence of the divine and her firstborn son Robbie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her twin sister Rosalie Decker, and son, Roberto Benavides, Jr.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of over 55 years, Roberto Benavides of Austin, Texas; sister, Patricia (Frank) McVey of Delta, Ohio; brothers Ronald and Joseph Corona of Shoals, Indiana; daughter Rhonda (Keith) Dragon of Boston, Massachusetts; son David (Sonia) Benavides and granddaughter Leah Benavides of Volo, Illinois; son Philip Benavides, partner Brittany Holmes and stepgrandson Deshaun Edwards of Austin, Texas; son William Benavides of Austin, Texas, and many nieces and nephews.

A rosary, viewing and service will be held on Thursday, October 27 at 10 am, at Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail Austin, TX 78745. Interment to follow at Onion Creek Memorial Park, 11610 Chapel Ln, Austin, TX 78748.