Mid-Michigan communities paid tribute to a pair of Latino leaders who passed away in April.
Tony Bevevides, Lansing’s first Mexican-American mayor, was 84 when he died on April 10 with his family by his side. He was born in San Vincente in 1937 and immigrated during 1952 when his parents, Jesus and Marie Benevidas, moved with their three children. to the Lansing area.
“Tony’s parents set high expectations for their children, reinforcing these expectations with personal attributes of honesty, respect, personal pride, community participation and commitment,” his obituary states. “Tony stood by these principals always.”
Saginaw’s Gilberto Guevara stated: “Mr. Benavides was always at the forefront of speaking to advance Latino issues. It was always pleasant to be in his presence, with his greets and a big smile. My prayers and condolences to his family.
Benevides graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in public administration and management. He began his career as the executive director at Cristo Rey Community Center for 33 years, serving the needs of Hispanics and the greater Lansing community. He went on to serve as Lansing’s Third Ward Councilman for 22 years and in 2003 his member peers appointed him mayor, a role in which he promoted social services and civil rights.
He also sat on multiple boards and commissions for many organizations, including Sparrow Hospital, National Conference of Catholic Charities, United Way, and Hospice of Lansing.
Maria Gonzalez
April 22 marked the passing of Maria Estefana (Steph) Gonzales, 75, a longtime Saginaw education advocate and the wife of Ramiro Gonzalez, the former Bridgeport school superintendent.
She was the 1964 valedictorian at St. Joseph High School, following with a bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College and a master’s degree in education from Saginaw Valley State University. She taught at Buena Vista High School, and later joined her husband in helping to establish Benito Juarez Academy and the Saginaw chapter of LULAC, League of United Latin American Citizens. She also was a Sacred Heart Elementary school board member, and assisted in developing the Nouvel Catholic Central High School curriculum.
Her obituary states, in part, “Maria loved learning about all cultures but was especially proud of her Mexican roots. She loved attending local Mexican dances and enjoyed traveling to Mexico. Maria was passionate about sharing Mexican customs and traditions with her children. She was proud to be fluent in English, Spanish and French, and was quick to switch languages when she traveled. Above all, Maria loved spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.”
Her memorial service was at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she was a lifelong member.
