LYDIA BRIONES
Tue, 2016-07-12 20:41
News Staff
PHARR - Lydia Briones passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones, Tuesday, July 5, 2016. Lily was born in Pharr, Texas on April 18, 1934 to Miguel and Celia Gonzalez. She is preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Matilde De Leon of Pharr, Texas. Lily was a woman of strong Catholic faith, she served her community and was the pillar of example for all her family to follow in her footsteps. She loved being a housewife, cooking and was an avid gardener enjoying the beauty of nature. Among Lily’s accomplishments were: The Pharr Library Board, 1974 – 1978, where she served as board president for two years, first woman for the City of Pharr, Commissioner, 1978 - 1982, St. Jude’s Catholic Charity Committee, founding member of the Food Bank of the RGV, Pharr Citizen of the Year - 1985, volunteer at Driscoll Children’s Hospital and member of Legion of Mary. She is survived by her loving husband, Armando Rios Briones; three children, Armando (Lora) Briones, Jr. of Edinburg, George (Manuela) Briones and Lezith (Anthony) Martinez both of McAllen; four grandchildren, Brion Briones, Beverly (Joseph) Bonura, Reena Briones and Chelsea Briones; three sisters, Maria Antonia McHugh of San Antonio, Marianela Longoria and Rachel Barrera, both of McAllen. Pallbearers will be, Brion Briones, Anthony Martinez, Joseph Bonura, Michael Barrera, Armando Briones, Jr. and George Briones. Visitation was held from 5 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. rosary Thursday, July 7, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service took place at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 8, at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Pharr. Interment followed at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. Funeral services were under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.