Juanita Saldana

Juanita was born on April 13, 1926 in Laredo, Texas. She was one five daughters born to her parents Conrado Gonzalez and Angelita Medrano Gonzalez She married Andres Saldana Jr. in 1949 and moved to San Antonio in 1953. Her 6 children and spouses are Andres Saldana III and his wife Xiomara, Robert (Bob) Saldana, Cynthia Rodriguez and her husband Isaac, Sarah Davis (in heaven), Belinda Harmon and her husband Mark and, Elizabeth (Lisa) Martinez and her husband Bill. Juanita was blessed with several grandchildren, Jason Tlucek, Karina Veas, Belinda Puente, Vanessa Palacio, Rickey Davis Jr. (in heaven), Emily Rhoads, Amanda Silva, Valerie Martinez and Vanessa Juarez. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren in laws and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Maria de Refugia (Cuca) Limon.

Our mother often told us stories of her childhood and early years. She talked about how she enjoyed cashiering for HEB at one of their first stores in Laredo. She loved reading, music and as the years went on she had some favorite songs like Selena’s Como La Flor and anything Marco Antonio Solis or Blake Shelton sang. Our mother was a wonderful cook, tamales were her specialty and you never left our house hungry. Without a doubt, our mother had a strong faith in Jesus that was as natural to her as breathing was. Whenever we spoke of our big plans, she always added, “…with God’s help.”

We are grateful to all of those that helped care for her in her later years, especially Delia Garza. It was so beautiful and fitting that her children were gathered around her, lovingly recounting all of our favorite childhood stories through laughter and tears as she concluded her earthly journey, smiled and made her way to heaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the San Antonio Food Bank at http://safoodbank.org/donate/