Consuelo "Connie" M. Salas

On Friday October 13, 2023 the Lord called Consuelo “Connie” Salas home to join her beloved husband of 57 years, Juan Salas Jr. Born in Cuidad Valles, San Luis Potosi, Mexico Connie and her family immigrated to the United States in 1946 when she was only seven years old. She graduated from Harlingen High School in 1956 and married Juan “John” Salas in 1957. They moved to Chicago, Illinois where they had two children. They quickly became involved in Chicago’s civic, community and political activities and became leaders of the Hispanic community for 47 years before moving back to their beloved Harlingen. Connie was a tireless volunteer in Chicago, joining the Mexican Civic Society of Illinois in 1976 where she served as president for 3 consecutive terms. Connie received numerous awards including the prestigious OHLI Award presented by the Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the El PIPILA award by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for her vision, courage and dedication to the Hispanic community. She received the City of Chicago-Certificate of Appreciation from Mayor Richard M. Daly as well as the Cook County Board of Commissioners-Certificate of Appreciation. Connie was also active in the Business Women’s Organization where she received the Women’s Achievement Award. Connie was a member of numerous civic organizations in Chicago including LULAC, the Chicago Boys & Girls Club. Returning home in 1998, Connie and John continued their dedication to community service. Connie volunteered countless hours to causes such as Loaves and Fishes, became a member of the Harlingen Rotary Club where she and John were inducted into the “Rotary Walk of Fame” in 2015. She was an ambassador for the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce where she received the “Heritage Award”. Appointed to the Harlingen Proud Committee, Connie dedicated numerous hours to help beautify the city she loved, Harlingen. Her passion for the Mexican culture led her to help coordinate the City of Harlingen’s CINCO DE MAYO as well as the Diez y Seis de Septiembre celebrations, bringing all sections of the community together to celebrate the culture and traditions of the Mexican culture. Connie was an inspiration to all those aspiring to be contributors to the community, either in public service or volunteer work. She lived the Rotary moto “Service above Self” to its fullest. Connie was loved and cared for by her many friends and her cats. She will be missed by all. Connie was preceded in death by her husband Juan Salas, Jr., her daughter Sandra Itala Salas de Miyares; her sister Celeste Marquez Ingles; her brother Rafael Marquez, Jr.; niece, Lisa Marquez and nephew Rafael Marquez III. She is survived by her loving son, Rafael Salas and her son in law, Marcelino Miyares, Jr. Visitation will begin Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 12:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the Rudy Garza Funeral Home and a Celebration of Life will begin at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 20, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Rudy Garza Chapel and burial will follow at Restlawn Cemetery. It was Connie's wish that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Harlingen Humane Society, 1106 Markowsky Ave. Harlingen, Texas 78550; 956-428-1022.

Consuelo "Connie" M. Salas

March 10, 1936 - October 13, 2023

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