Obituary of Mary Chapa Salinas

Our beloved Mary Chapa Salinas, age 88, was called home to our Heavenly Father, on Monday, April 5, 2021.

She was preceded by her loving parents, Eristeo and Florentina Chapa; and her brothers, Eugene Chapa and Celestino Chapa also her late husband, Charlie Salinas.

Mary is survived by her adoring children, Terrie Fraher and her husband Steve, Eva Fernandez, Linda Moody and her husband, Mike, Sophie Dean and her husband Randy, Susan Fernandez, Gloria Hehl and her husband Rick, Brenda Burwell and her husband Rick, and Gavino Fernandez, Jr.; her 19 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren; and her brother Paul Chapa; as well as numerous loving family members and friends.

Maria Chapa was born on March 25, 1933, to Eristeo and Florentina Chapa, the only girl of a family of  4. Raised in Lockhart Texas, as a
young girl. Came from a humble beginning, a child of migrant farmworkers who sporadically attended school, completing only the fifth grade. She married at the age of fifteen and having her first child at the age of sixteen. A mother of eight (seven daughters and one son). Mom was always eager to learn and better herself and her situation, as a result, she had a desire to learn new things. This resulted in her
hope for her children and grandchildren to receive a better education than she did and to have the opportunity at a better life.
Mom worked many jobs, sometimes two or three at a time to make ends meet and to provide for her family. She worked selling Avon, selling arts and crafts as well. She also worked at Economy Furniture as a streamist sewing sofa Pillow.

Her final job was at the Federal Building in Austin as a custodian, where she met and was befriended by Lady Bird Johnson. Lady Bird upon hearing Mom’s life story encouraged her and made arrangements for her to attend Adult School so that she could better her reading and mathematical skills. Lady Bird was the Match Maker who introduced Mom to a gentleman named Charlie Salinas, who worked in former President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s mail security office until the former President died. Charlie and Mom married shortly after.
Upon their retirement from Federal Service, they traveled the world visiting Mom’s daughter’s who Married military men and were stationed around the globe. She enjoyed her trips to Mexico City and Monterrey Nuevo Leon staying with friends and family.

The remainder of their story is history, to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren Mom is known as Grandma and Charlie as Grandpa. They loved to dance and listen to music. Mom was known to go and join the band to sing when she was out. There are stories of karaoke trips with her grandchildren. One thing is certain to anyone who knew Mom and Charlie; these people know that they are dancing together in Heaven now.

Mom and Charlie were always sought out to be in Weddings, Quinceaneras, Baptism Padrinos. She was a devoted Practicing Catholic
at Cristo Rey Church joining several ministries, Guadalupanas, Joy Prayer Group, Jamaica Committee. Austin Parks And Recreation Senior Program member. She volunteered in many programs as an Arts and Crafts instructor. LULAC District 12 member.

On March 25, 2014, she received a proclamation from the City Of Austin Council and Travis County Commissioners Court as Mary Salinas Day!

Rest in Peace Mom, we love you.

Pallbearers will be Lydia Sosa Galarza, Cheryl Randall, Biancha Barfield, Brittney Nichols, Maria Oelschlager and Sonia Baltierra. Michelle Macias, Sophie Fernandez Dean, Randy Dean, and Dominic Gonzalez will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m., Monday, April 12, 2021, with Recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m., at Mission Funeral Home - East Side, 1615 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at Cristo Rey Catholic Church, 2208 E 2nd Street, Austin, TX, 78702.

Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery.

Rosary will be live-streamed to allow those unable to attend to participate. Please follow the link to Mission Funeral Home Facebook Page

Due to the Coronavirus /  COVID-19 Restrictions from the City of Austin,

capacity levels are restricted at funeral homes, churches, and cemeteries.

Each person entering the funeral home, church, and cemetery will be required to wear a mask

and to practice social distancing of 6 feet or more.   If you are ill or are concerned about the virus,

it is recommended that you not attend services. 

The family is so grateful to everyone for their understanding, love, and support

during this very difficult time