Estela Salinas

Estela Salinas, a beloved and devoted grandmother, passed away on November 10, 2023, at her home. She was born on January 5, 1943, in Post, Texas, to Cruz and Maria Inez (Flores) Agueros. Estela and her six siblings grew up in Post, Texas. 

Estela came to McAllen to visit her sister, “Cuala” in 1967, and she met her future husband Lazaro. They were married on May 4, 1968. Estela and Lazaro spent their first few years in California before settling in McAllen, where they raised three children and spent the rest of their lives.

Estela went to work for McAllen ISD at their Central Kitchen, where she worked her entire career. Despite only attending school to eighth grade, she earned her GED in 1986. She believed in the power of education and set an inspiring example for her loved ones, especially her grandchildren. Estela adored her grandchildren and retired from the school district to help raise them. 

Estela will forever be remembered for her warm heart and love for her family. Christmas was always her favorite holiday. She would have celebrated Christmas all year round if given the chance! Every year, the family gathered to make tamales, watched Christmas movies together, and enjoyed each other's company. Estela was also passionate about Old Westerns and admired actors like Charles Bronson. Crime shows like NCIS also intrigued her, but Hallmark was her all-time favorite channel. She loved music and cherished the days when Lazaro would take her dancing. She enjoyed the Country and Tejano genres. Carlos Miranda was her absolute favorite Tejano star.

Estela possessed incredible skills as a homemaker and baker. Baking was not just a hobby for her but an art form. Her baked goods were renowned among family and friends. Some of her specialties included bran muffins, pecan sandies, and pumpkin empanadas. In addition to baking, she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, working with ceramics, and crafting custom jewelry, and she was very talented. Estela sewed many of her children's and grandchildren's outfits. 

The family held the highest importance in Estela's life; she cherished every moment spent with them.

Estela is preceded in death by her parents Cruz and Maria Inez Flores; her loving husband, Lazaro Salinas, brother Frank Agueros and his wife, Nestora "Toy", sisters, Isabel Salas and Dionesia Sandoval. 

She is survived by her son, Victor Salinas, daughters, Estela Gomez (Juan+) and Liza Mire (Matthew), siblings, Pascuala “Cuala” Tijerina (Guadalupe+), Pauline Alvarez (Savas+), and Lasaro Agueros (Agueda), brother-in-law, Primo Sandoval, her beloved grandchildren, Laura Serrano (Miguel), Alicia Gomez, Klarissa Gomez, Andrea Estela Gomez, Faith Anne Mire, and numerous nieces and nephews.