Graciela Arredondo

SAN ANTONIO / WESLACO - Graciela (Grace) Chapa Arredondo passed away peacefully in San Antonio, Texas on June 14, 2017 at the age of 86. Grace is survived by her children, David Arredondo, Marvi Haynes, Arturo Arredondo and Alex Arredondo, and her two sisters, Marina Cheatham and Yolando Hinojosa. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Manuel Arredondo. Graciela was born on November 8, 1931 in Pharr, Texas to Ernesto and Otila Chapa. She received her bachelors in education at Pan American University and her Master's Degree in Social Work at Texas A&I. She married her high school sweetheart Manuel Arredondo who was in the Air Force stationed at Dover Air Force Base, Maine and later became a proprietor of the original Arturo's Restaurant in Nuevo Progreso. Grace had a lifelong dedication to education starting with her first teaching job at the age of 18 in La Villa, Texas. As a Social Worker, she worked tirelessly for the under- privileged and sought many ways to improve their lives. Grace was known for being innovative and proactive in her education initiatives. Recognizing how the needs of the disabled were not being met, she lobbied and succeeded in having a Texas State Bill passed that would provide increased funds to the Special Education Program in South Texas. As Director of Special Education for the Weslaco Independent School District, Grace vastly improved program that over saw 18 schools and inspired local businesses to give her "special kids" small employment opportunities with pay as part of their money management education. Her passion was that every person be seen and treated as a valuable member of society, regardless of their circumstance. Her inspirational programs grew and thrived under her leadership. Grace was known for her joyous spirit and her giving nature. She was an active member of the First Methodist Church and La Santisima Trinidad Methodist Church in Weslaco where she and her husband Manuel become sponsors and mentors in the overall growth and development of the Church. Grace was well-known for her big smile at Knapp Memorial Hospital where she volunteered for many years. Grace is also survived by her great joy, her grandchildren, Pablo, Manuel, Alexis, Carlos, Azriel, Zayed, Graciela and her great-grandchildren Coen, Malcolm, Carlos, Lydia Grace and Audrey Maria. The family wishes to acknowledge our very special gratitude to her devoted caregiver, Rose and to the abiding care given to her by her loving daughter-in-law Betty Arredondo. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 18th from 4:00 to 6:00pm at McCaleb Funeral Home. A chapel service will be held on Monday, June 19th, 10:00am at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco, Texas. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery in Weslaco. Funeral arrangements are under the care of McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco.