MARIA VICTORIA CAVAZOS
June 10, 1952 – January 2, 2024

Maria Victoria Cavazos or as she referred to herself, “Missy with the messy hair”, was born in San Antonio, TX, on June 10,1952. She attended catholic school her entire life and graduated with a master’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University. During her schooling, she studied abroad in Mexico City, where she met her true love, Dr. Angel Munoz. After completing her study abroad program, she moved back to San Antonio, where for two years Angel and Missy continued to write love letters to each other. Immediately after Angel graduated from medical school, he proposed to Missy, and they wed in Mexico City, on July 16, 1977. To give back to the medical community, the newlyweds moved to a remote jungle village – with no running water nor electricity – in Mexico. Angel quickly put Missy to work and “deputized” her as his first nurse where she aided him for three years.

Later they moved to San Antonio and had their first daughter, Mariana, on May 2,1981. While juggling motherhood and marriage, she continued to focus on her career as a social worker, working in the cities’ public schools, which ultimately supported the family and Angel’s medical training. During this time, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Olivia, on July 15,1988 and moved to Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, where Angel completed his fellowship neonates.

As the years went on, Missy decided to take a step back from her career to become a full- time mom. Missing her home state, Missy and Angel decided to move and plant roots in Houston. In Houston, Angel began his private practice as a neonatologist and they were also able to establish two successful pediatric clinics.

In 2000, Missy was diagnosed with an unfortunately painful and debilitating disease, Scleroderma. Specialists nation-wide gave Missy 4-5 years to live, but given her sheer grit and determination – this was not an option. She survived Scleroderma for 24 years, leaving each of her doctors in amazement. With her perseverance, she continued to live her life to the fullest. After two chemotherapy and stem cell treatments, as well as countless hospitalizations, she still managed to: travel the world, be a part of her daughter’s’ weddings, and be present for the birth of three grandchildren.

Missy’s love for life was contagious. She always made people laugh. If you were to ask Angel what he loved most about her, his answer would be: “she was so quick with words – so witty. I could never win an argument because she would beat me with her words.” Growing up seeing their relationship and dedication to one another was the most beautiful example of love. Missy was the greatest wife, mom, grandmother, sister and friend. She was the best listener and advice giver. She was strong, independent, loyal, hilarious and sassy - which is reflected in both of her daughters. Although the world lost the most precious gem, Missy will never be forgotten. Until we are all together again, we will continue to sing and dance to your favorite songs. We will love you forever and always.


In honor of Missy please make memorial contributions to the Scleroderma Research Foundation.
https://support.srfcure.org/give/84957/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=web&c_src2=topButton