Maria T. Salinas

Weslaco-

Maria T. Salinas, beloved mother, devoted wife, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Weslaco on November 4, 2024, at the age of 96. Born on February 5, 1928, in Doctor Coss, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Maria was a remarkable woman, whose life exemplified love, dedication, and resilience.

Maria's journey to the United States was marked by her immense gratitude and hard work. Maria was immensely proud of obtaining her American citizenship, achieving this milestone with a score of 90. After migrating to California with her husband, she made it her life's mission to provide for her family. She worked tirelessly so that her daughter, Yolanda, could graduate from college and enjoy a life that offered them more opportunities than she had known.

Maria's nurturing spirit extended to both children and the elderly. She cared for her older sister, her parents, her son-in-law's mother, and her husband with unwavering compassion. Many in her community fondly remember her for the years she dedicated to working in daycare, where she lovingly prepared meals and created a welcoming environment for the children in her care. Christmas was always a special time for Maria, as she received an abundance of gifts from the children she adored.

For seven years, Maria took on the role of a private nurse for her husband, who was bedridden. With a meticulous nature and a loving heart, she ensured he never suffered and was always comfortable. Her devotion was evident as she trained herself through the support of visiting nurses, maintaining an impeccably clean and nurturing home.

She also played an instrumental role in the lives of her sisters, especially after the passing of her youngest sister's husband at a young age. Maria's protective nature led her to care for her sister, fostering close-knit relationships within her family. She traveled extensively outside the U.S. with her daughter, son-in-law, and her granddaughter, husband, and grandchildren throughout the world. 

Maria's impact extended beyond her family. She was deeply involved in her church community, contributing significantly as a cook for the children's daycare and nurturing the faith of the youth. Her kindness and wisdom earned her the love and respect of many, including her pastor, Yorelis Teran, and three girls, Mari, Anny, and Angeline, who considered her a grandmother figure.

Special thanks and recognition to her grandchild, Angela and husband Roger Gomez for their caring service to her, for always keeping her comfortable and clean and making sure she was able to go to the Adult Daycare as long as she physically could. 

Maria is preceded in death by husband, Jesus Salinas, 5 sisters, 4 brothers, and her parents. 

Maria is survived by her daughter, Yolanda Hill (Richard); Angelica Lugo and Jose Trevino whom she always considered to be her children; grandchildren, Sue-Xie Kolli (Rama), Paige Duckworth (Michael), Matthew Hill (Erica), Angela J. Gomez (Roger); her great-grandchildren, Matthew Hill, Ayden Hill, Anjali Kolli, Vickram Kolli, Conner Gomez, Sadie Gomez, Maya Llewellyn, Lily Gomez; and several nieces and nephews. 

Maria T. Salinas leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and unwavering strength, a testament to the remarkable life she led and the profound impact she had on the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

 Maria’s life will be honored starting with visitation on November 13, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM at McCaleb Funeral Home, located at 900 W 4th St, Weslaco, TX. A Celebration of Life will take place the following day, November 14, 2024, starting at 12:30 PM at El Shaddai, Intl Christian Church, located at 723 S Airport Dr, Weslaco, TX.