Graciela Bocanegra

Graciela Bocanegra, age 72, of San Benito, Texas, is now peacefully awaiting the resurrection hope. She left us on May 12, 2025, in Harlingen, Texas after battling with illness. Known to many as “Gracie” or “Chela”, she was born on July 15, 1952, as the fourth child of Tito and Damiana Bocanegra. Graciela was a beloved sister, mother, grandmother, and soon-to-be great grandmother who always lived life by her own accord.

Graciela proudly graduated from San Benito High School in 1971 and later attended the University of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (UCAS). She delighted in her career as a beautician, working as a beauty instructor at UCAS, helping at her sister Lupe’s and niece Norma’s beauty salons, and as a hairstylist at the JCPenney hair salon, where she eventually retired after working for 10+ years. She had a passion for her profession and was dedicated to helping others feel and look their best. Graciela had a lively and fashionable spirit, and enjoyed being dressed-up, shopping, and spending time with her family and close friends.

Graciela is preceded in death by her parents, Tito and Damiana Bocanegra; brothers, Tito Bocanegra Jr., Benito Bocanegra, and Tito Bocanegra III; and sister, Rosa Marie Bocanegra. She is survived by her siblings: Guadalupe (Lupe) Guzman, Jose Angel Bocanegra, Armando Bocanegra, Teresita Bocanegra, Benita B. Menchaca, and Belinda Bocanegra. Her memory will be preserved through her daughters: Priscilla Flores, Regina Castillo (husband, Nelson Castillo), and Melyssa Jalomo (husband, Anselmo Jalomo Jr.). She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Taylor Cargill (husband, Mike Cargill), Isabella Jalomo, Sophia Jalomo, Evelyn Jalomo, Priscilla Cerda, Giovanni Cerda, and Bethenny Flores, and future great-grandchild, Ace McCoy Cargill.

She will be deeply missed and fondly treasured by all who knew her.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the MICU staff at Valley Baptist Hospital for their round the clock care and support in the last days of Graciela’s life.

The Bocanegra family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, May 17, 2025 starting at 9:00 a.m. with a 10:00 a.m. funeral service at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A graveside service and interment will take place immediately after funeral services at City of San Benito Cemetery.

Floral Tributes are welcomed and should be sent to Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home at 1400 W. Hwy 77, San Benito, Texas 78586, (956) 361-9192.