Manuela "Mela" Lopez Salinas

Manuela “Mela” Lopez Salinas passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on November 23, 2024, in Alice, Texas. Mela's life was a testament to the enduring power of love, of family, and of selflessness and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her and loved her. Mela was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Gonzalo M. Salinas Sr.; her parents, Luis Sr. and Eusebia Salinas; her daughters, Sylvia Ann Lopez and Rosalinda S. Segura; grandsons, Michael Lee Salinas and infant Mitchel Gonzalez; and her siblings, Jesse Lopez, Beto Lopez, Samuel Lopez, Raul Lopez, Julia Lopez, Consuelo Benavidez, Martha Lopez, and Mickey Mercado. Left to cherish her memories are her children, Guadalupe (Ruben) Villarreal, Maria (Claudio) Soliz, Judith (Rene) Gonzalez, Gonzalo (Esperanza) Salinas Jr., and Mike (Clarita) Salinas; her sisters, Pauline (Luis) Castillo and Frances (Joe) Villarreal; 19 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. In her professional life, Mela dedicated herself to caring for others as a home health provider. She was known for her unwavering commitment to her patients, often going beyond the call of duty to ensure their comfort and well-being. Her kindness in her work reflected her overall approach to life. Mela's zest for life was evident in her passions. She found great joy in listening to Tejano music and dancing with her loving husband, Gonzalo. Mela’s dedication to her family, whether it was offering help, advice, guidance, or financial support, was without hesitation regardless of personal sacrifice or her own well-being. Her generosity, honesty, and work ethic were the pillars upon which she built her life, and she instilled these values in her family along with the importance of faith, trust in God, and family unity. Mela’s culinary skills were legendary, particularly her delicious tortillas and menudo. Christmas was Mela's favorite holiday; she decorated every room, and you were sure to see Mr. & Mrs. Claus figurines all over the house. This holiday was a time of laughter, rejoicing, joking, singing, sharing gifts, reminiscing, enjoying a delicious meal, and most importantly, sharing family love and unity. Mela was as kind and gentle as she was strong and firm, ready to protect and defend her family. Despite her small stature, she had a heart of gold that expressed her love through her actions and deeds. She relished vacations with her children, whether it was on cruises or other trips. She was always ready for a new adventure. Coffee time was her favorite time of the day; this was the time to catch up on el chisme, talk about her novelas, or just enjoy the company of others.

As we say goodbye to Mela, we celebrate the extraordinary life she lived, the love she gave, the wisdom she shared, and the family she cherished. May her soul rest in eternal peace and may her example continue to inspire us all.

Mela’s family will receive condolences on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Trevino Funeral Home, 120 E. Front St., from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, with Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 9:00 AM until 12:30 PM. A funeral cortege will depart the funeral home at 12:30 PM for Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 1:00 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Roberson-Collins Cemetery. Honoring Mela as pallbearers will be Isaac Ramirez, Leroy Ramirez Jr., Gonzalo Salinas III, Jayson Villarreal, Jeremy Vasquez, and Leroy Ramirez III.

To leave your condolences for the family of Manuela “Mela” Lopez Salinas, share your memories, or visit her tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.