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Pauline G Salinas, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 85 years old. Born on March 14, 1939, in Waco, Texas, to Lorenzo and Rosa Gonzalez, Pauline was the 2nd youngest of their 10 children. She spent her early years in Waco, Laredo, and San Antonio, Texas. Her father owned Gonzalez Bakery on South Flores and Helena Street, where she grew up immersed in a family full of love, laughter, and hard work. She married the love of her life, Otto Salinas, and together they shared 67 remarkable years of marriage. Their story began in downtown San Antonio, where Otto was immediately captivated by her striking beauty. He still vividly recalls her elegant outfit that day—a beautiful blouse, a pleated beige skirt, and high heels. Otto took her to have her photo taken (though she paid for the picture herself), marking the beginning of their unforgettable journey together. Their life was filled with love, dancing, and adventure. In the 1970s, they managed the Aquarium discotheque, where she worked as the bookkeeper and became known for her charm, grace, and impeccable style. Pauline was a devoted member of Immaculate Heart Church and cherished her time singing in the choir alongside her sister Mona. She had a deep faith and was always present for days of obligation, though she was often the last to arrive, as she took time to get beautifully dressed. Her faith and love for her family shone brightly, even as she courageously battled dementia for the last 7 years of her life. Despite her illness, her face would light up when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to visit, listening intently as they shared stories about their lives. She adored singing songs like El Rancho Grande and Paloma, bringing joy to everyone around her. Pauline was the “cool aunt” to her nieces and nephews and a steadfast matriarch to her family. She loved spending time with her brothers and sisters, visiting for breakfast, playing cards, and catching up on life. Family gatherings were the highlight of her life, and she cherished her role as the rock of the family. Her passion for decorating was unparalleled. She often rearranged furniture, created Christmas displays worthy of Dillard’s, and helped her children and grandchildren beautify their homes. Shopping trips with her daughter Gina, complete with lunch and a shared slice of cherry pie at Marie Callender’s were among her favorite pastimes. She also enjoyed frequent visits to Jim's for pancakes. She was an avid supporter of her families’ activities. She never missed her sons or grandkids football games, and she proudly attended concerts when Eddy and Chris played at local venues. She loved rock music, surprising everyone with her energy and enthusiasm. Pauline is survived by her loving husband Otto Salinas and her loving children Alex Salinas (Cathy), Virginia Salinas, Charlie Salinas, Christopher Salinas, and daughter-in-law Kathy Salinas. Her grandchildren Ray (Missy), Sean (Felicia), Pamela (Derek), Charlie Jr., Tiffany, Jenna, and Taylor; and her great-grandchildren Kaleb, Isabella, Isaac, Kaiden, Arya, Mason, Camden, Braylen, Avery, Shelby and Lilian. She also leaves behind her cherished siblings Tina Garcia (Reynaldo) and Jando Gonzalez (Laure), along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her son Eddy, daughter-in-law Helen Salinas, and her siblings Lucy Ramirez (Joe), Ciso Gonzalez (Olivia), Tule Gonzalez (Ofelia), Billie Gonzalez (Paulino), Helen Gonzalez (Joe), Mona Hinojosa (Servando), and Mary Rodriguez (Steve). Pauline was cared for with love and compassion at home by VITAS Healthcare Hospice from July 2022 until her passing. Her family will forever remember her as a beacon of strength, love, and warmth. She taught us the value of family, faith, and embracing life with grace and humor. She will be deeply missed but forever loved. Rest in peace, Mom. Your legacy of love lives on in all of us.

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Pauline G. Salinas

March 14, 1939 - January 19, 2025