Melinda G. Saenz

Melinda G. Saenz, age 70, passed away on Friday, May 10, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. Melinda was born July 23, 1948 in Los Angeles, California to Doris Gerard Garcia and Peter Madrid Garcia. At six years of age, she moved with her family to San Antonio, Texas where she would live all of her life, with one notable exception. She lived in Lima, Peru for three years because of her father's work. Melinda went to high school there at the American School of Lima. Prior to her senior year, she returned to San Antonio to complete high school. She retained many fond memories of the school in Lima and the many lifelong friends that she made. Melinda graduated from Incarnate Word High School in San Antonio and then continued on to Incarnate Word College where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary and Secondary education. Years later she returned to Incarnate Word College for her degree of Master of Business Administration. Her thirty-year teaching career included two long assignments at Fox Tech High School and Thomas Jefferson High School where she primarily taught typing, short hand, business, and computer science courses. Melinda loved teaching! Her last year of teaching, she was asked to be head of the business department. She was well respected and admired by the school staff, fellow teachers, and students for her professionalism, dedication, fairness and willingness to try to make a difference in the lives of the students. After retirement, it was not uncommon to have former students approach her at restaurants, stores, and even businesses, and doctor's offices to start a conversation by asking, "Ms. Garcia, do you remember me?". Some have told her that she had made a difference in their lives. Melinda met her future husband, Gilberto, while both were faculty members at Thomas Jefferson High School. They not only became husband and wife but also best friends. Both loved to travel so, after retirement, they decided to do it. Cruising was their preferred method (25 cruises including 5 to Europe); but they also went on frequent road trips to Colorado to spend time at their vacation condo in Colorado Springs; and also, road trips to the east coast and the southwest to visit friends and see the sights. Melinda loved her grandchildren and was always eager to spend time with them. The older ones accompanied her to Colorado on several occasions and on at least two Caribbean cruises along with their mother. She was an optimist. She saw a glass half full rather than half empty. She was honest, loyal and empathic. All who knew her will dearly miss Melinda.

Melinda was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Gilberto Saenz; step-daughter, Rebecca Saenz Toedt; step-son, Michael G. Saenz (Leslie); grandchildren, Robert, Thomas, Stephen, Sydney, and Sawyer; brother, Dr. Peter M. Garcia (Alice) and nieces, Alyssa, Elena, Lauren, and Avery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

MASS

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2019

9:00 AM

HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC CHURCH

Father Antonio Gonzalez will officiate. Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite cancer charity.