Avelina M. Saenz

McAllen ~ Avelina Medina Saenz, a beacon of love, creativity, and generosity, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2023. Born on March 1, 1926, in Alamo, Texas, Avelina's life was a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of joy, resilience, and service to others.

Avelina was the cherished daughter of Jose Dolores Medina and Maria Enedina Aguilera, who instilled in her the values of faith, love, and service that guided her throughout her life. 

Avelina was the cornerstone of her family, the heart that kept everyone connected, and the hands that nourished their spirits. In her earthly journey, Avelina was blessed with a loving husband, Juan Manuel Saenz, who was her rock and partner in life's joys and trials. She was a devoted mother to her daughters, Irma Lamar Saenz-Schmidt (John Schmidt) and Lorena Elisa Saenz-Gonzalez (Vicente Gonzalez Jr.).  Her legacy will continue to flourish through her grandchildren, John Scott Schmidt, Brittney Lamar Schmidt, and Karl Hans Schmidt. Her family was her pride and joy, and she showered them with boundless love and affection.  Avelina's living siblings, Carmen Medina Dominguez, Francisco Medina, and Maria Anita Medina Ramirez, will remember her fondly as a generous and selfless sister.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents and her siblings, Rebeca, Felipe, Marcelino, Mauro, and Lauro.

Avelina was a woman of many talents and interests. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as tending to her garden, cooking heartwarming meals, and creating beautiful crafts. Her hands were seldom idle, always busy sewing, crocheting, or working on her ceramics and needlepoint. She had a knack for making everything around her beautiful, and her home was a testament to her creativity and love for life.Avelina had a special place in her heart for animals. Her pets, including dogs, cats, and birds, were more than just companions; they were family. Her caring nature extended to all creatures, reflecting her boundless capacity for love and kindness.

Avelina was a woman of great faith, strength and creativity who lived her life with grace.  She had an unwavering generous spirit, always finding new ways to express her love and care and putting others before herself. She was a loving soul, whose love was not confined to her family alone but was freely given to all who knew her.

Avelina touched the lives of many.  She will be missed dearly but her legacy will continue to inspire us. As we bid farewell to our dear Avelina, we take comfort in knowing that she is now in the loving embrace of our Lord. We celebrate her life and are grateful for the love she shared, the lessons she taught, and the legacy she leaves behind.  Avelina, your memory will forever be etched in our hearts. Rest peacefully. Your love and light will continue to guide us, and your spirit will forever be alive in our hearts.

In the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, "Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:23). Avelina, you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. Now, a crown of righteousness awaits you in the kingdom of our Lord. May your soul rest in eternal peace.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Monday, October 23, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM with the recital of the Holy Rosary to begin at 7:00 PM at Rivera Funeral Home,1901 Pecan Blvd, McAllen. Mass of Chirstian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM  by Monsignor Juan Nicolua at Our Lady of Prepetual Help Church in McAllen. Burial will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.

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