Imelda Ramirez

Saldivar

Imelda Ramirez Saldivar, 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 11, 2021, surrounded by her family. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 1 Timothy 4:7

She was preceded in death by her husband, Humberto Fernando Saldivar, Sr., her mother, Maria Laurel Ramirez, her father, Efrain Ramirez, her sister's, Emma Lilia Munoz and Maria Ella Pena, her brother, Efrain Ramirez, her mother-in-law, Nicolasa Balli Saldivar, and sons-in-law, Richard (Rick) Rodriguez and Les Allan Hodgson.

Those left to cherish her memories are her children, Sonia (Beto) Rodriguez-Silva of Harlingen, Nikkie Saldivar-Hodgson of South Padre Island, Humberto Fernando Jr. (Kayla) Saldivar of Schertz, Isabel (Aron) Waisman of Austin; her grandchildren, Daniella, Adriana and Gabriella Rodriguez, Giselle and Miguel Ricoy, Nico and Sofia Saldivar, Katherine Spangler, Carlos and Benjamin Waisman; her brother Renato (Rosa) Ramirez of Mission, sister Marcela Ramirez Garza of Weatherford, brother-in-law Frank (Gracie) Renaud of San Antonio, brother-in-law Romeo Munoz of Pharr, and her many nephews and nieces.

Imelda was born in San Isidro, Texas, December 6, 1940. Imelda was a 1958 graduate of San Isidro High School. She was a high school cheerleader and voted friendliest and wittiest. After graduation, she met the love of her life, Humberto F. Saldivar in San Isidro, Texas and they were later married. They moved to Harlingen in 1964 and she began working along-side her mother-in-law, Nicolasa B. Saldivar, at Saldivar's House of Flowers of Harlingen, Texas. She became a talented floral designer and a successful businesswoman. Moreover, Imelda was known for her beautiful floral arrangements and her football mums all over the Rio Grande Valley. She was recognized as Hispanic Business Woman of the Year for the City of Harlingen and was an active member in her community. She also served at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church as a eucharistic minister, youth group sponsor, and board member of the church financial committee.

In addition to running a successful business for 56 years, Imelda was loved and respected by all. She always knew what to say and said it with kindness. She was optimistic, thoughtful and remained focused on her strong values and convictions. One of the values she instilled in her children and grandchildren was the importance of an education. In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling, cooking and gardening. She valued her faith above all else and she always put her family-first.

Serving as pallbearers are Miguel Angel Ricoy, Carlos Waisman, Benjamin Waisman, Nico Saldivar, Manny Vela, Andres Cardenas and Aaron Sosa.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Maria Zarzour and staff of M.D. Anderson, Dr. Marco A. Araneda and staff of Texas Oncology, and Calidad Hospice. A special thanks to hospice nurse, Sarah Rodriguez, and family friend, Emelda Rocha, for their constant comfort and support to Imelda and her family.

Donations can be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church in memory of Imelda R. Saldivar at 209 South 10th Street, Harlingen, Texas 78550, (956)428-6111.

Visitations will only be held on Friday, April 16th from 3-6pm at Trinity Funeral Home. The family is taking special safety precautions during this time and ask all to follow current COVID-19 guidelines.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home 1002 E. Harrison Avenue, Harlingen, Texas 78550, (956) 364-2444. www.trinityfunerals.com