Obituary of Aurora R. Salinas

Aurora Salinas, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 12, 2018 in Austin, Texas. 

Her loving surviving family members include her husband Arturo Salinas, her sons Arturo “Turo” and wife Jovita and Roland and wife Leah Salinas and their children Ashley and Rachel Salinas; her brother Marcos and wife Elka Rodriguez and their children; her niece Lily, daughter of sister Frances, and her son Harrison Shawhan.

Aurora was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on February 19, 1940 to the late Lilia and Frank T. Rodriguez. She was one of three children; her older sister Mary Frances precedes her in death and her younger brother Marcos Rodriguez resides in San Antonio. At age 15 Aurora began her career as a Soda Fountain Girl at Kress’ department store in Corpus Christi along with her brother Marcos. She quickly moved up from there to sales where she worked until she graduated from Roy Miller High School. During this time Aurora met and married her future husband, Arturo Salinas; they resided in Kingsville, Texas. In 1964 they welcomed their first son, Arturo “Turo”, soon after relocated to Austin where their son Roland was born in 1966.

Aurora continued working on her career as an Inventory Clerk at Behrens Wholesale Drugs and eventually landing at the IRS as a seasonal employee. She began working at the Veterans Administration – Finance Division in 1972 where she soared to unimaginable heights for a small-town girl from Corpus Christi!  While working at the VA, Aurora raised 2 very active boys, ran a busy household AND attended college at night ultimately getting her degree in Business Management. During her tenure as an Auditor at the VA, Aurora was appointed Chairman of the EEO Advisory Committee where she provided leadership and guidance in implementing the Affirmative Action programs. Aurora was the first Hispanic Employment Program Manager for the Austin Data Processing Center. She managed a large committee and sponsored many programs and activities at the Center to increase employees’ awareness of the Hispanic culture. Aurora represented the Center in the community and was active in IMAGE and FEW. She served in many leadership roles in both organizations including President, 1^st Vice President and Corresponding Secretary of the local chapter. Over her 30 years of federal service Aurora received numerous awards for leadership, commitment and excellence in the work place. Aurora retired in December 1998   to enjoy her time with her family – her husband, her sons and their families – especially her grandchildren.

Aurora was an exceptional dancer. She grew up going to dances with her family from an early age and could easily clear the floor with her skill and finesse. She and her siblings, Marcos and Frances were legends in the Corpus dance crowds. Aurora loved to Cumbia, Jitterbug, Waltz, Polka, Foxtrot, Swing and Twist.

In her retirement Aurora volunteered at St David’s South Austin Hospital. She embraced this activity just as she did her career. She loved people and loved being involved.

Aurora was always smiling; her joy came from deep within anchored in her devout faith. She was dedicated fully to her entire extended family and their interests and was very active in all their lives. She was also of immense support to her husband. She had a natural warmth about her that made all who met her feel they were the most important person to her no matter the occasion. Her sense of humor was boundless and intuitive for its timing. She was loved by many and had a way of touching most of the people she met. She will be sorely missed by all.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May 15^th followed by a rosary at 7:00 PM. Services will be held at St Paul’s Catholic Church at 10:00 AM Wednesday, May 16^th with internment at the Onion Creek Memorial Cemetery. A reception celebrating Aurora’s life will follow at St Paul’s Catholic Church.  In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Capital of Texas Chapter.