Marcela Avina
Marcela Avina, 82, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Galveston community, passed away surrounded by love and family on June 30, 2024. Born on January 16, 1942, in Monterey, Mexico, Marcela lived a life filled with love, compassion, and dedication to her family and community.
Her caring nature shone through in her career as a nurse’s aide at UTMB, where she touched countless lives with her kind heart. Her commitment to service extended beyond her profession, as she was an active and devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Galveston.
Known for her culinary prowess, Marcela found joy in preparing delicious meals, made with love, for her family. Her kitchen was always filled with the warm aromas of traditional dishes, and her table was a gathering place for loved ones to share stories, laughter, and her mouthwatering creations.
Marcela’s adventurous spirit led her to explore the world, a passion she delighted in sharing with her grandchildren. These travels created lasting memories and instilled in her grandchildren a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, embodied by her children, daughters: Maricela Rodriguez (Jesse), Dora Silcock, Anne Flowers, Iris Mendenhall (Earl), Pamela Hill (Ruston), and sons: Jesse Avina, and David Avina (Stacey). Marcela is also survived by her siblings: Rosie DeLaRosa, Inez Dunker, Adolfo Medellin, Javier Medellin, Mariano Medellin, Gilbert Ybarra, and Ray Medellin, who will miss their sister dearly. Grandchildren: Melissa Delossantos, Monica Delossantos, Jessica Rodriguez, Jennifer Rodriguez, Jacqueline Close, Charles Marks, Lauren Marks, Kyle Marks, Larry Hernandez, Alan Hernandez, Felisia Hernandez, Daniel Mendenhall, Christopher Corpuz, Alexandra Gibbs, Ruston Hill, Catherine Webster, Victoria Hill, Sophia Hill, Caleb Hill, James Rutherford, Elyse Avina, Madeline Avina, Matthew Avina, Jessie Ghiyassi, and many great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mariano Medellin and Telesfora Castillo Cadenas, whose values of family, faith, and hard work she carried throughout her life.
Marcela’s generous spirit, infectious laugh, and unconditional love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her life was a testament to the power of family bonds and the joy found in simple pleasures. As we bid farewell to this remarkably fierce woman, we take comfort in knowing that her legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on through her loved ones.
To honor Marcela’s life and continue the fight against Parkinson’s disease, memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. There will be a graveside service on Friday, July 5, 2024 at 10:00am at Galveston Memorial Park Cemetery in Hitchcock, Texas.
Grandma was such a nice person and I loved her so much and will always. Always caring and loving me and my siblings including cousins. We all love her so much and care for her. I love you grandma.
My dear, sweet mother-in-law. She always had my back! May you rest in peace in our Heavenly Father’s eternal loving care. Thank you so very much for all the delicious foods. Your chicken mole’ was my absolute favorite. It just fell off the bone.
I remember constantly walking into your kitchen and you saying, “Want something to eat mijo?” I’d say, “No thank you, I just ate.” Then you’d reply, “Ok, I’ll make you a plate.”
Much love and prayers. Can’t wait to eat your chicken mole’ again, in heaven.
As we say goodbye, Grandma, my heart is filled with a bittersweet mixture of sorrow and eternal gratitude for the incredible impact you’ve had on our lives. You are a pillar of strength for our entire family and the love, wisdom, and values you instilled in us will continue to resonate for generations to come.
I’ll hold the memories of making cookie-cutter tortillas together and our beach days with the cousins close to my heart. And when I hear a (somewhat aggressive) whistle coming from somewhere other than the lifeguard tower, I’ll think of you and smile, remembering your unique way of calling us all together.
Your spirit lives on in the stories we’ll share and the love that binds our family together. Thank you for everything, Grandma. You will be deeply missed and forever loved🤍
I will miss you tia, may you rest in peace. I love you.
Lisa De La Rosa Reyes.