Dora S. Salinas

Dora S. Salinas was called home by the Lord on September 20, 2025, at the age of 93. Dora was fondly known as “Aunt Dora” to everyone who knew her. She was born on June 13, 1932, in Chapman Ranch, Texas. Dora moved with her family to Corpus Christi in 1939 and was one of 10 children. She went to Lamar Elementary School and graduated from Miller High School in 1951.

Dora was preceded in death by her parents Juan and Carmen Salinas; sisters Dolores S. Salinas, Damiana S. Garza, Ofelia S. Montemayor, Lupita S. Fernandez, Maria S. Yzaguirre, Antonia S. Trevino; brothers Abel S. Salinas, David S. Salinas, and Manuel S. Salinas.

As a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church Dora served the church for over 60 years. During these years some of her church activities included: parish breakfasts to help raise funds, weekly Friday night church bingos, parish choir, the annual Lenten fish fries, and daily Mass (which often included the unlocking of the church doors before the 6:00am daily Mass). She joined many Catholic organizations including Hijas De Maria, a group dedicated to a life of service, friendship, and spiritual growth and the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary, an international association to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and to recite the Rosary for all members around the world.

After 60 years of volunteer work at St. Joseph Church, Dora retired on June 2021. However, she dedicated her entire life not only to the Catholic church but to her family. She helped her sister with her children in the 1960s and took care of her parents until they passed in the 1970s. Dora also assisted her oldest sister Damiana and her disabled brothers David and Abel until they passed away. Then, Dora lived alone at her Coleman Street house for the next 16 years. During this time, her nephew Rene lived next door and provided assistance in many ways. Dora then moved to the Villa South facility for independent living on August 1, 2024. She was blessed with a sharp mind and the ability to care for herself.

She easily made friends and was an active participant in her new community. Many of the residents depended on her to know the activities taking place. Dora also provided a daily weather report to residents, staff, and even some visitors. She was a regular attendee at the First Friday Mass held at the Villa by the priests from St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Dora was an avid sports enthusiast. She was always ready to report on the Cowboys, the Chiefs, the Astros, and even the Aggies. She knew the schedule of EWTN Masses, Adoration, and rosary. She was a prayer warrior and daily prayed multiple rosaries and Divine Mercy Chaplets. Dora encouraged others to pray and was ready to say, “Do you know Jesus loves you?”. She would often get a yes and a smile.

That made her happy!

Dora’s faith sustained her. When she experienced pain, she would recall the Passion of Christ, and it gave her courage to keep going.

The night before she passed, she ate dinner with her friends at the “D-table” and was in “good spirits”. She shared her joy and peace with them and others, even blowing kisses to the staff.

She is survived by nephew Marist Brother Francis S. Garza and numerous other nephews and nieces.

Aunt Dora, on behalf of all your nephews and nieces, you always inspired us by the life that you lived. We admired you, looked up to you, and we will always cherish our memories with you. We are so grateful to the Villa South staff and administrators for always providing love, care, and support to Aunt Dora. She enjoyed her life at the Villa and was very blessed with the many friendships she made.

Public visitation will be on Friday September 26, 2025, at 5:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm at Funeraria Del Angel funeral home, 549 Cheyenne Street. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 710 S 19th Street at 9:00am on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Rite of Christian Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park, 2731 Comanche Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St Joseph Catholic Church, 710 S 19th Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78405.