Carmen Miguel Canavati

Tita was born in El Salvador on July 16, 1928. Her parents were Elías Miguel and María Canahuati, the 9th of 12 children. She went to trade school and was married in Mexico City on January 28, 1956, to Jorge Negib Canavati. At an early age, Tita was an accomplished swimmer and was on a path to qualify for the Olympics. She was the first woman in the Arab community in San Salvador to learn how to drive an automobile. She became an exceptionally skilled driver. She was a witness to the Great Depression, World War II, and the rise and fall of the Iron Curtain.

She was in many ways a pioneer. Tita was the epitome of what a matriarch is. She was totally dedicated to her family. From her optics, there was nothing else. Her truly exceptional gourmet cooking skills were the basis for wonderful holiday feasts and home banquets for diplomats, politicians, friends, and family. Her green thumb turned gardens into magical places of beauty. In later years, Tita very much enjoyed trips to casinos and dancing with the one-armed bandit. She was a great storyteller with a hearty laugh. She enjoyed good music too. Her multidimensional skills made her a true Renaissance woman of the ages. May she rest in peace.

Tita Mela was preceded in death by her daughter Sylvia Aurora and her husband Jorge Negib Canavati, her loving parents, and sisters & brothers. She is survived by her children, Jorge Jr., Carmen, Beatriz Eugenia, and Gerardo Francisco. Tita is also survived by her grandchildren Jorge Mauricio, Gabriela Sofia, Olivia Danielle, Natalie Jianyue, Ana Sylvia, Francisco Elías, José Miguel, Santiago Jorge, Nicolás Salomón, Beatriz Andrea, Cassandra, Emilia, and by her great-grandchildren Penelope Michelle, Jorge Mateo, and Patricio.

A visitation will be held at the Chapel of Eternal Peace at Forest Park, located at 2454 S Dairy Ashford, Houston, TX 77077, on November 17, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will follow at the same venue from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.