Adela M. Martinez-Salinas

On Saturday, January 3, 2015, after a two year courageous and valiant fight against breast cancer, and during the few moments when everyone who was keeping constant vigil over her for the last month were briefly distracted, Adela Martinez-Salinas, the beautiful woman with the big brown eyes and effervescent smile, sneaked away just when the sunlight opened from the grey sky, and started her eternal journey with the Lord. Having just recently celebrated her 40th birthday, she followed it with the marriage to her long-time love, best friend, and confidante Raul Salinas III. Adela brings a special poignancy to the many, many friends, colleagues and newly formed family members that came in contact with her.

While Adela was small in stature, all who had the fortune to be part of her life knew her large heart of gold. Whether serving as the Lavaca neighborhood president, or throwing birthday parties for her office colleagues, she was always thinking of ways to brighten one's day. Her joy stemmed from being the long-time mother of three precious dogs - Lucky, Cleo, and Thor.

Although her degree from the University of the Incarnate Word was in biochemistry, she spent most of her professional career using her expertise in the banking and investment world, having worked for Frost Bank, Chase Bank, and the last five years at USAA. She enjoys having fun with friends, offering tax advice, volunteering with the homeless and at-risk youth, mentoring those in need, traveling, driving fast and buying winning lottery tickets.

Adela's ferocious zest for life came from both her childhood, when she lived with her father in Europe, and from her deep spiritual faith. She lives on through her laughter, smile, and words of wisdom within her husband Raul and his family and friends, and her close friends, colleagues, neighbors and prayer community leaders.

Adela and her husband offer a special thanks to the Start Center for Cancer Care, her medical team of doctors, and the nursing staff at Main Methodist Hospital.

A joyful celebration of Adela's life will be held on January 17, 2015 starting with a brief service at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, 1018 East Grayson, 78208 at 2:30 pm followed by a celebration at 9809 Fredericksburg Rd., 78240 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, Adela would want people to offer a helping hand to those who need it, and donate to any nonprofit who works with cancer patients.

Adela and all of her loved ones want to praise God for everything this journey has brought and continues to bring. Special blessings are given to God, Adela, and her support team. Remember, this is not the end but a continuation of life. Luke 20:38.