Melinda P. Barrientez

Melinda P. Barrientez walked into the arms of the Lord on Saturday, October 22, 2016 after a lengthy cancer diagnosis. Her loving family was by her side providing support and care throughout her illness. She was preceded in death by her father, Cervando Bustos Barrientez, Sr., her brother, Cervando Bustos Barrientez, Jr., her nieces, Priscilla Anne Barrientez Vidaurri and Angela Marie Leos.

She is survived by her mother, Elida Peche Barrientez, her brothers, John Barrientez (Lucy), Rudy Barrientez (Barbara), Anthony Barrientez (Lidia), her sisters, Grace Leos (Alex), Elizabeth Barrientez and god-brother Raul Martinez (Beatrice), nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, god children and friends whom she loved very much.

Melinda was born in San Antonio, on February 23, 1963. She graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in 1981 and earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Southwest Texas State University in 1985. She also obtained a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) certification. Melinda's calling was public and community service. Her life and career were driven to serve and help others. She enjoyed helping and counseling individuals and families, making a difference in so many lives in the community.

She worked as a State-District Parole Officer, a Case Work Supervisor at the Patrician Movement and an Alcohol and Drug Specialist (AOD) at the Family Services Association at Parent Child Incorporated (PCI). She also worked as a Screening and Assessment Specialist at the Bexar County Family Court and as a Funeral Services Associate at Porter Loring Mortuary. We are all better human beings for having known and worked with her.

Melinda was a devoted and loving individual. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and being actively involved in the lives of her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was a devout Catholic, deeply rooted in her faith and an active parishioner, catechism teacher, and volunteer at San Juan De Los Lagos Catholic Church and Shrine. She was an avid reader, enjoyed going to the gym regularly, music, dancing and going to the movies with her family.

Melinda will be remembered for her wonderful upbeat and positive personality, her zeal for life, selfless love, strength and courage, and most importantly, for her unwavering devotion to her faith and family. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy to serve God, family and community will live in our hearts always.

Melinda and her family would like to extend sincere thanks and gratitude for their compassionate care to Dr. Nastaran Fathi, Dr. Gladys Rodriguez, Dr. Kyriakos Papadopoulos, the nurses, caregivers, and staff at Benevolent Hospice and a special thanks to her nurse Toni Salazar.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, October 28th at 11:00 a.m. at Porter Loring on McCullough with recitation of the Rosary to begin at 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 29th at 11:00 a.m. at San Juan De Los Lagos Catholic Church, 3231 El Paso St.