Mary Ann Chavez Burns

Mary Ann Chavez Burns was born on Friday, January 19, 1940, in her beloved grandmother Mama Grande’s home on Kuhn St., in Edinburg, Texas-a place that always held a special corner of her heart. In a beautiful full-circle, she spent the final part of her life at her grandson Danny’s house in Edinburg, surrounded by love. Though official records mark her passing as February 3, 2026, she left us late at night on Monday, February 2nd. Leave it to Mom to stir up a little controversy even on her way out—just as Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” would have it, she too did it her way.

During her final hours, she was surrounded by her most treasured son, Danny; his son, Little Danny; and her youngest grandson, Aydan, as she took her final breath. We’re certain that their presence brought her comfort, as the moment was described as serene, without any signs of struggle or pain.

Mary Ann’s story of love, courage, and adventure began in 1956. At just 16, she met her first husband, Julio—a meeting that would forever alter the course of her young life. With a brave heart and dreams far bigger than her small-town beginnings in Weslaco, Texas, she became a cherished part of the Ochoa family.

Together, they set their sights westward, chasing the “Promised Land” of Southern California. Like so many in pursuit of opportunity and hope, she packed her courage, followed love across state lines, and stepped into a new chapter full of promise, challenge, and determination.

Her bold spirit quickly shone through. In a new land with new rules, she became the family’s ringleader—the steady force guiding them forward. Determined that opportunity would not pass them by, she led the charge for their naturalization process, helping the family navigate paperwork, appointments, and the learning of English. When they each proudly became citizens, it was more than a legal milestone—it was a testament to her leadership, her vision, and her unwavering belief in what they could achieve together.

Julio and Mary Ann went on to have six children, Jose Maria, Julio, Rafael, Maria Guadalupe, Juan, and Daniel.

She is preceded in death by Julio (2010); her mother, Maria Conchita Barrera Chavez (2000); her father, Alfredo G. Chavez (1954); her only brother, Alfredo Chavez (1995); her husband, Jim Burns (2024); and her sisters, Connie and Elia.

She is survived by all of her children and their significant others—past and present—Alisa, Kenita, Pamela, and Rick; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and her only living sister, Imelda of Phoenix, Arizona.

Mary Ann wanted it all. She was a dreamer, always reaching for the stars. Sometimes her dreams came to fruition, sometimes they did not—but her love for adventure and the energy with which she pursued it were boundless. Her life was never ordinary; she embraced every moment with curiosity, passion, and an unshakeable zest for living. She traveled the world with fearless joy, savoring every experience to the fullest.

An honorable mention goes out to her devoted and gracious caregivers-Narda Solano, Myrna, Irma and Deborah-and with the deepest heartfelt gratitude to Martha Zarate for faithfully staying by her side with unwavering love in her heart until the very end.

Her passing has left a void in our hearts, but we are left to celebrate the eccentricities and vibrancy of the extraordinary woman we called Mom. We love you, and we will miss you forever. Take a bow, Mother—you did it your way, and you did it beautifully.

“… everything is everything, but you’re missing…”

In honoring Mary Ann’s life and spirit, our family will hold a memorial service at a later date, inviting all those who knew her to celebrate her legacy of love she left us with.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg, Texas.