Elma Gamez

ELMA S. GAMEZ

AUGUST 12, 1935 – APRIL 27, 2020

Elma Salinas Gamez, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on April 27, 2020.  Elma S. Gamez was born and raised near Concepcion, Texas. She cherished the life she spent there and throughout her life visited as often as possible. She relished being out in the country at her birthplace. It was during the 1950’s that she moved to Laredo, Texas. She started working at Tony Vela’s Supermarket. It was there that she met the love of her life and future husband of 51 years Miguel Gamez Sr.+

Elma, the matriarch of the family, completely devoted her life to her family. She dedicated herself to their care. She raised her children with love and affection. Her family was her all. Even though we know she is gone, she has left the legacy of her love and perseverance. She touched our lives deeply and the memories will forever be etched in our hearts.

A lover of the outdoors was evident in her excursions to the ranch, especially the yearly trips attending the Fiesta Del Rancho in Concepcion, Texas. This event was very important to her as it was a time to recall all her childhood memories. She was an avid storyteller who fascinated us with her memories of the life at the ranch, paying tribute to her ancestors, and the joy she felt sharing her life with her family. Her fascination with the outdoors was visible in the lush garden she created in her home. She spent countless hours nurturing her plants and flowers and felt great satisfaction in seeing the result of her labor grow and come to fruition. In this same way she nurtured all of her family and made our lives fuller and richer.

She will be deeply missed by all the people whom she knew and loved her. She loved all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Our hearts are shattered; however, her memory will linger in our hearts and fondest memories of her will engulf our thoughts.

She is preceded in death by her husband:  Miguel Gamez Sr.; parents: Eliseo and Octavia Salinas; daughter:  Irma Herrera; grandchildren:  Melissa Chapa and Israel Herrera.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her children: Juan (Cecilia L.) Gamez, Miguel (Gabriela V.) Gamez Jr, Elma G. (Hector Jr.) Chapa, Fernando (Cleotilde) Gamez, Mario (Gabriela T.) Gamez; Son-in-law: Roger Herrera; grandchildren:  Jessica (Matt) Mayberry, Johnny Gamez, Jeanette Gamez, Laura Gamez, Carolina Gamez, Elma Lydia Chapa, Hector (Tanya) Chapa III, Fernanda I. Gamez, Chloe (Brandon) Campbell, Tabitha Gamez, Mary Elizabeth Gamez, Marcos Gamez; many great-grandchildren; siblings:  Gilberto (Guadalupe) Salinas, Edalio (Minerva) Salinas, Elia (Francisco) Salazar, cousin: Alicia (Humberto) Guerrero, as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Following the governor’s order in reopening the state, visitation will be limited to 25% of capacity inside the funeral chapel.

The family will receive condolences on Friday, May 1, 2020 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will be held at 7 p.m.

Funeral procession will depart the chapel at 9:45 a.m. to San Martin de Porres Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be:  Juan Gamez, Miguel Gamez Jr., Fernando Gamez, Mario Gamez, Hector Chapa III and Johnny Gamez.

You may extend your condolences to the family, leave a memory or share your favorite story online at:  www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, TX 78041, 956.722.8850