Manuela Juarez Salinas

This Christmas Eve heaven gained another angel as Manuela Juarez Salinas went home to her Maker. She will be greatly missed. Manuela had the brightest smile, most infectious laugh, and a passion for serving the church. Manuelita, as many called her, always did things out of the goodness of her heart. She was full of joy and love, and her sweet spirit blessed many people.

Manuela was born on March 26^th, 1949 in El Refugio Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico to Jose and Maria Juarez. The family moved first to Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, then to Laredo, TX in the early 1950s. She attended Laredo ISD schools, graduating from J.W. Nixon High School in 1968, where she was active in choir and 4H. After graduation she was accepted into the LVN program at Mercy Hospital. She then worked at hospitals in San Antonio, TX before returning to Laredo to work for Dr. Sigifredo Perez. She worked in private practice for almost two decades, where she was a dutiful nurse who cared deeply for her patients. In 1997, she enrolled at Laredo College to finish her Associates degree. Afterwards she was employed at United ISD as teacher substitute, then at Laredo ISD as a nurse assistant in the Special Education Department.

Some would say that Manuela also worked full-time at Santa Rita de Casia Church in Rio Bravo, Tx. She simultaneously served as Confirmation teacher, RCIA instructor, Eucharistic Minister, Assistant CCE Coordinator, and Assistant Church Treasurer. She helped organize jamaicas, attended conferences held by the Diocese, and enrolled in theology courses at St. Mary’s University. For almost 30 years, she was an active and devout member.

In 1975 two special events happened. She met her husband Fernando Salinas, and her niece Jessica was born. Although it may not have been love at first sight, Fernando and Manuela were madly in love with each other and best of friends. They stuck it out through life’s ups and down’s, through illnesses, but mostly through good times. Jessica was usually in tow and therefore they considered her the daughter they never had. There were many family outings, road trips, and vacations share by this trio. When Jessica’s children were born, they in turn became the apples of their eyes. These grandchildren looked forward every summer to visit.

Manuela is preceded in death by her father, Jose Dolores Juarez; parents-in-law, Antonio and Rosa Salinas; and her loving husband, Fernando Geronimo Salinas.

Manuela is survived by her mother Ma. Lourdes Terrones Juarez; daughter, Jessica Juarez; grandsons, Isaiah and Ivan Garcia; siblings, Juanita (Jorge+) Caballero, Irma (Reynaldo) Gonzalez, Humberto, and Ma. Angeles; as well as brothers/sisters-in-law and nieces/nephews from the following families: Caballero, Gonzalez-Marin, Gonzalez-Raya, Bryan, Avalos, Salinas, Sepulveda, Rangel, and Garza(s);

plus, the extended Juarez/Chagoya and Terrones. She is also survived by other relatives living here in Laredo, Guanajuato, MX, and California. Also holding a special place in Manuelita’s heart is the Aranda family of Mexico City, MX, her neighbors the Rincon and Montoya, friends Alicia Flores and Antonieta Cisneros. Last, but not least, Manuela appreciated her church family: The Estopier, Martinez, Segura, Canela, Cerda, and Garcia families.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 from Hillside Funeral Home to Santa Rita de Casia Church in Rio Bravo, Tx. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am.

Interment will follow to the City of Laredo Cemetery.

Manuela’s grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers.

The Juarez family would like to thank Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa and the medical staff, of both the Covid and ICU units at Laredo Medical Center, for their care of Manuela during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent in Manuela’s honor to Santa Rita de Casia Church; C/O CCE program; 1001 Espejo Molina Rd; Rio Bravo, TX 78046.

While there are not enough words to describe how deeply missed Manuela will be, we are comforted knowing she is walking with the Lord at this very moment.

Due to ongoing COVID-19, the family kindly asks all those wishing to express condolences in person to wear face masks and maintain social distancing orders. In accordance with the city ordinance, the number of visitors will be limited. We continue to ask that those at risk or those not feeling well stay home and reach out to the family through our website www.hillsidefuneral.com.