Manuela D. Garcia "Mela"

Mela was born on a ranch in Taft, Texas on December 28, 1922. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Julio Salinas Garcia and her adoring parents don Lino De Leon and doña Felicitas De Leon.

She is survived by two sisters, Katy Morales, Maria De La Portilla; 6 children, Richard (Josie) Abrego, Alice (Carlos) Vasquez, Julio, Jr. (Lydia) Garcia, Oscar (Gracy) Garcia of Fresno, California, Fermin Garcia of Tucson, Arizona, and Olga Garcia of Humble, Texas; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

Mela had a golden voice. For many years, she sang with many big band era orchestras singing in places like the Driscoll Hotel’s Flamingo Ballroom, private parties, and movie theatres when intermissions were commonplace. She was also an accomplished equestrian rider and often spoke affectionately of her horse, “El Brincador.” She was a caring, giving matriarch who will be missed dearly by all she leaves behind.

Visitation will be at Funeraria Del Angel on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. that same evening.

Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. with Interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.