Esmeralda "Lala" Saldana

In 1939, Lala and her family migrated to Mexico when her parents were granted a service of migration by the Mexican government in the form of $300 Mexican pesos to cultivate their land. The family made their way to the state of Tamaulipas, settling in the city of Valle Hermoso, where they grew up. There, they built a farm that harvested cotton, sorghum, and corn, and the farm also had an abundance of livestock. At 19 years old, Lala moved back to Texas, making her home in Houston.

Lala’s steady devotion was most vividly seen in the life she nurtured around her. She had a deep love for plants and for working in her garden, caring for her plants daily so that beautiful flowers could bloom year-round. Walking through her yard, one could take in the colors of her flowers and the aromas of the herbs and vegetables she planted—simple, living reminders of her patience, diligence, and attentive care.

Her generosity extended well beyond her garden gates. Lala loved to help others, often making food baskets to give to neighbors and friends, and she shared cuttings of plants with everyone. She taught all her children and grandchildren how to love, grow, and live off the garden—offering not only practical knowledge, but also an enduring example of kindness, service, and quiet strength.

Lala was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel Saldana and Gregoria Martinez; her daughter, Martha Laura; and her siblings, Alfredo Saldana, Guadalupe Castillo, Virginia Briones, and Roberto Saldana.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Lilly (Alfonso) Santillan, Willie Landa, and Victor Landa; eight grandchildren, Paul, Jason, Jacob (Priscilla), Isaac, Monica, Juliet, Vinson, and Dylan; eleven great-grandchildren, Victoria, Isabella, Jazon, Jesse, Idalis, Noah, Mariah, AnnaLia, Elijah, Ava, and Elena; and one great-great-grandchild, Nova.

Esmeralda also leaves behind, three sisters and two brothers; Sara, Maria Elena, Oralia, Jose, Eleazar.

The family would like to thank Milagros, her caregiver of two years, for the care and compassion shown to their loved one. In addition to helping with daily household chores, Milagros also tended to the garden, ensuring their mother had her daily dose of sunlight and access to her plants.

Visitation will be held at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023, US, on July 2, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a Prayer Service at the same location on July 2, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023, US, on July 3, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, followed by a Committal Service at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023, US, on July 3, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.