Manuela “Mela” R. Solis, age 79, of San Antonio, TX passed away under the loving care of her family and Altus Hospice at her home on Tuesday afternoon, September 8, 2026. She was born on September 1, 1947, in Brownsville, TX to the late Jose and Aurora (Fernandez) Reyes. Mela attended Brownsville Highschool, class of 1965.
Mela married Daniel “Danny” Solis after he completed his millitary service in Vietnam. They spent fifty-six years together. Throughout her life, Mela was a hardworking and adventurous woman. She worked in retail for many years, served as a library assistant, and had the unique opportunity to work at The American Embassy while living overseas in Bangkok, Thailand.
Mela had a true zest for life. She loved crafting, sewing, caring for her plants, and she especially enjoyed slow dancing with her husband. She also loved the excitement and fun of betting at casinos; lively and colorful slot machines were her favorite. But above all else, Mela loved her family. Her grandchildren were one of the greatest joys of her life. She spoke of them proudly and often. She attended their sporting events, cherished having sleepovers with them, and took tremendous pride in the people they were becoming.
Mela was one of the strongest women her family has ever known. She courageously battled stage four breast cancer for more than 15 years, facing every challenge with remarkable strength and grace. Despite everything she endured, she maintained her love of life and rarely if ever complained. Her strength was quiet but powerful, and her courage inspired everyone who knew her.
Her family will remember her beautiful spirit, her strength, her laughter, her love of life, and the countless ways she showed up for the people she loved. Her absence leaves an immeasurable space in the hearts of those who knew her, but her love and the memories she created will live on forever.
She is survived by her loving husband, Daniel Solis; children, Meliza Solis of San Antonio, TX, Myra (Joseph) Solis of Fort Bragg, CA, and Tania (Ryan) Solis-Snider of Belvidere, IL; grandchildren, Raquel, Alexa, Mason, Derek, and Dylan; sisters, Minerva Reyes, Aurora “Bori” (Matt) Farias, Norma (Ron) Chestnut; nieces and nephews, Oscar (Ginny) Reyes, Leslie (Jake) Gunter Bowlin, Alex (Nikki) Farias, Brandon Chestnut, Breanna (Chris) Bennett, along with many other family and friends whose lives she touched.
Mela is reunited with her parents, Jose and Aurora Reyes, and sister Gloria (Reyes) Guerra.
Mela’s life was defined not by the cancer she fought, but by the love she gave, the strength she showed, and the beautiful life she lived. She will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.
The family would also like to thank Elizabeth Parkert and Altus Hospice nursing staff, most importantly, Lauren Summers and Gracie.
A Memorial service celebrating the life of Mela will be on, Thursday, September 17, at 11:00 am at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N. Loop 1604 E. San Antonio, Tx, 78232.
A luncheon and celebration of life will follow from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at Salsalito’s, 14535 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247.
In true Mela fashion, she would not want anyone dressed formally. Please leave the suits at home and do not wear black. Instead, come dressed comfortably and celebrate her life with color, love, and joy – the way she would have wanted.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mela’s honor to Thrive Well Cancer Foundation, Thrivewell.org, To donate by phone call #210-593-5949.
