Maria Palacio, of Mason passed away on Wednesday, November 13, at the age of 80.  Maria was born in Mason on January 3, 1944, to Thomas Cantu and Angelita Martinez Cantu.  She was born into a large family of 10 and had six children herself.  Maria ended up with 20 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Survivors include two daughters and two sons: Terry P. Garza of Fredericksburg, Beatrice Torres of Mason, Martin Palacio and wife Grace of Mason and Tommy Ray Palacio and wife Carla of Stockett, Montana, three brothers: Margarito Cantu of Fredericksburg and Jerry Cantu and wife Olivia of Lubbock and Isabel Cantu of Mason, two sisters: Paula Hernandez of Mason, and Juanita Cantu of Brady, a daughter-in-law Mary Palacio of Kerrville along with 20 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.  Maria was preceded in death by her husband Alfred Palacio, two sons Robert Palacio and Joe Alfred Palacio, brothers and sisters Ermina Reyes, Catarino Cantu, Virginia Cantu and Enrique Cantu.

Maria loved being around family and traveling wherever she could go. She loved to go fishing and swimming in the river.  Her home was always open for anyone to come and visit and she was always cooking for friends and family.  Maria was very outgoing and very involved in the Catholic Church.

Maria leaves behind lots of nephews and nieces that she loved very much.  She also leaves behind lots of friends that she was very close to.

Visitation with the family will be Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home with a Rosary at 7:00.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 16, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in the Crosby Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family on-line at Mason Funeral Home.net.