Port Isabel, Texas: Manuela Salinas Vela, 81 of Port Isabel, Texas was called home to be with the Lord on January 18, 2007. Mrs. Salinas-Vela was one of the first pioneer families and a lifetime resident of Port Isabel. She was also a member of Our Lady Star of Sea Catholic Church of Port Isabel. She is preceded in death by her husband, Alfonso Vela Sr., 2 Sons, Jose Maria Vela and Martin Vela; 2 Daughters, Mary Ann Vela and Mary Ida Vela; Parents, Melchor and Elvira Torres Salinas; 3 Brothers, Ricardo Salinas, Epifanio Salinas, and Juan Salinas; Sister, Luisa Cuellar and Son in law, Jerry Cruz. She is survived by her 6 loving sons, Alfonso Vela Jr. of Port Isabel, Manuel (Graciela) Vela of El Paso, Texas, Guadalupe (Elizabeth) Vela of Port Isabel, Rafael (Nicolasa) Vela of Port Isabel, Henry Vela of Brownsville, and Melchor (Christina) Vela of Harlingen; 6 loving daughters, Frances Espinoza, Diana Vela, Margarita (Ramon) Ramirez, and Delfina Vela all of Port Isabel, Nelda Vela of Laguna Vista and Mary Cruz of Chula Vista, California. 21 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren and several nephews, nieces and other relatives. 2 Brothers, Martin Salinas and Melchor Salinas Jr. both of Port Isabel; 1 Sister, Jesusa De La Garza of Austin, Texas. Visitation will begin today, Sunday January 21, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home Chapel in San Benito and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Holy Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady Star of Sea Catholic Church, 705 Longoria St. in Port Isabel. Visitation will continue on Monday January 22, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with Funeral Mass beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Our Lady Star of Sea Catholic Church with Father Gerry Barrett officiating. Interment will follow to Port Isabel City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Rafael Vela Jr., Tomas Vela, Guadalupe Vela Jr., Christopher Vela, Juan Antonio Ramirez, and Leo Espinoza Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be the rest of her grandchildren. You may sign the register book or send words of comfort to the Vela family at www.thomaegarza.com Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home, San Benito, Texas 399-1331