Mela (Marez) Saavedra

Mela Saavedra, born Manuelita Marez to the late Frank Marez Sr. and Josefita Marez on May 20, 1926, at 88 years young was a strong and independent woman who was called home by our Lord our God on Thursday September 25, 2014. Mela was the 7th youngest in a family of 10 siblings. She was a devoted wife to Timoteo Saavedra for 70 years despite his unexpected death in 1972 at age 49. Mela and Timo had 6 children. She is survived by her five daughters: Rosie Werth (Duane), Barbara Hartman (Dave), Elma Jaramillo (Kenneth), Hilda Saavedra (Pat) and Carolyn Perea (Leroy Sr.). Mela's pride and joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, known as "Nana Mela" to them: Nadine Marquez, Kevin Werth (Becky), Ann Marie Marquez, Timo Jaramillo (Kristen), Leroy Perea Jr. (Danielle Garcia), Ricky Gallegos and Reagan Werth. Mela is also survived by her only living sibling and special sister Margaret "Maggie" Saavedra.
Mela was a devout Catholic with special connection to the Blessed Mother Mary. Her rosary was often called into service for many occasions: big tests, job interviews, travel, medical procedures, football games, state championships and more. Her faith was endless and inspiring.
Mela's calling was to work with young people, thus she became a cook for Grants High School in 1961. She served as the head cook at Grants High School for over 35 years, where she made sure no student, teacher or coach went hungry. She grew to love the hometown high school team, the GHS Pirates, very rarely missing a game in any sport while she was a part of the GHS family.
Mela was a confidante to many friends and family, dispensing sage advice with a warm heart. There wasn't a person that Mela wouldn't help. She was the type of person that never worried about receiving, but was always giving. She was loved by so many and will be forever remembered as a kind, beautiful, gentle woman.
Her final moments were spent with her family as she succumbed to a short illness. She remained brave and strong and fought the good fight through it all. She now resides in heaven and will live for eternity amongst all the angels.
Mela was preceded in death by her Parents Frank and Josefita Marez, Husband Timo Saavedra and Son Timito, Mother and Father-in-law Espiriona and Albino Saavedra, Brothers: Abel, Jose Maria, Luis and Frank Jr. Sisters: Christina Castillo and Jenny Marquez and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Rosary will be recited in honor of Mela on Sunday, September 28 at 7pm at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will commence at 10am on Monday, September 29 at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church followed by a Christian burial at Grants Memorial Park. A reception to celebrate the life of Mela Saavedra will take place at the Knights of Columbus following services.

Pallbearers are her grandchildren and great grandchildren - Nadine, Kevin, Timo, Ann Marie, L.J., Ricky and Reagan. Honorary Pallbearers are her beloved son-in-laws: Duane Werth, Dave Hartman, Kenneth Jaramillo and Leroy Perea Sr. and all her nieces and nephews.