Romana "Mona" Saldana

Romana “Mona” Saldana, age 90, of Albion, Michigan passed away at home with her family by her side on Wednesday, October 19th, 2022. She was born November 8th, 1931 to Jose and Maria Jesusa Serbantez in Bartlett, TX. She was one of ten siblings. Mona was 10 years old when her and her family moved to Marshall, Michigan.

Mona was the matriarch of her family. Her love her for her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends was unconditional. Mona was well known for sharing her love through food. You could never walk into her house, without her offering you a delicious meal cooked from scratch. Food was her way of connecting to the soul, it was her love language. Mona’s Tacos has been a staple in the Albion and Marshall community for more than 50 years. “I love to see people eat and enjoy food. It makes me happy!” People would travel from all around and wait in line sometimes 30 or more minutes just to taste and enjoy her wonderful food!

She has served Albion by volunteering at St. John’s Catholic Parish, Guadalupe Alter Society, Girl Scout leader, room mother for the school system, participated in 4-H, prepared and delivered food baskets for the holidays. Mona would visit, grocery shop and provide transportation to members of her community that were in need. She was a member of the Moose Lodge, previous board member of the Leisure Hour, and Eagles. Mona was a Grand Marshall of the Festival of the Forks due to her many years of service. She loved to bowl in her early days and Christmas was her favorite holiday. She was proud of her Mexican heritage and strong in her Catholic Faith.

Romana is survived by her children Bertha Saldana of Albion, MI; David (Michelle) Saldana of Albion, MI; Rudy (Casey) Saldana of Albion, MI; Casey (Jean) Saldana of Tracy, CA; Lisa Wilson of Jackson, MI; Miguel Saldana of Muskegon, MI; and Teresa (John) Toner of Medford, NJ. Mona was also survived by a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

She is preceded in her death by her husband Rudy R. Saldana; daughter, Brenda Sanders; and her parents Jose and Maria.

Services will be held on Friday, November 4th, 2022 at St. John Catholic Church located at 1020 Irwin Ave. Albion, MI 49224. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by Prayers of the Rosary at 10:30am and Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. Final internment will take place at Albion Memory Gardens. Repass held at the Moose Lodge directly following the service.