Avelinda G. Saenz

Our dear mother, Avelinda Gonzales Saenz (82), sadly passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023, surrounded by her family in La Sara, Texas. Avelinda was born March 13, 1940, in Mercedes, Texas to Victor and Abelinda Gonzales.

Avelinda graduated from Mercedes High School in 1958 and attended Pan American College.  She began her career working for a couple of law firms in the area and then transitioned to what is now called the Texas Department of Human Services.  She worked for the Food Stamp office as a case manager for over 30 years and retired in 2003.

Avelinda was a devout and active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in LaSara, Texas.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Salome Saenz, and their 3 children: David Bryan (Marina) Saenz of Pharr, Texas; Liesl ‘Tessie’ (Dana Shawn) Kiefer of LaSara, Texas; and Larissa (Azael Tomas) Flores of Boerne, Texas. She was the oldest of three daughters and is also survived by her two sisters:  Alma D. Gonzales of McAllen, Texas, and Cynthia Gonzales of Austin, Texas; and 7 grandchildren, David Matthew Saenz; Michael Bryan (Nikki) Saenz; Shawn Paul (Amberly) Kiefer; Tamara Justine Kiefer; Tristan Shane Kiefer; Jordyn Therese Kiefer; Ryan Miguel Mancha, and 1 great-grandson, Jackson Reign Saenz.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, February 9, 2023, from 9:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M., with a rosary at 7:00 P.M. at Good Shepherd Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 10, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in LaSara, interment will follow at the Saenz Family Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and doctors of Medical Team Hospice from Harlingen for their excellent service and care for Avelinda.  We would also like to thank Ms. Rosie Dominguez and Mrs. Adela Lopez of LaSara, Texas for their love and care of our mother.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

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