Elena "Nena" Sikes

“Nena” was born in Tornillo, Texas on May 18, 1948. She married her high school love David Sikes. Together they had 5 spunky children. They raised their family in El Monte, California until she was preceded in death by her husband David on January 7, 1981. She then dragged her wild gang to Austin, Texas. She raised them the best she could as a single mom. Even though they gave her many grey hairs and nearly drove her crazy, she was proud and loved them with all her heart and made sure that each one felt extra special.

She loved her adventures in Europe and the Middle East. She enjoyed ceramics, garage sales, butterflies and leopard print. Her cure for any ailment was “celery”—family joke. “Grams” never said “no” to the grandkids. She loved her family and friend and never forgot their birthdays and unbirthdays. Her coworkers appreciated her dependability and kind, uplifting attitude. She was a very generous and giving person and devoted herself to the church and the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her husband David, father Antonio Sanchez, brothers Raul “Magoo” Salcedo and Hermilo “Juni” Salcedo and Smokey the cat. She is survived by her 5 children and spouses, 8 grand-children, 5 great-grand children, 2 sisters, 1 brother and their families. And her lovely mother Maria Salcedo who she called every night at 8pm.