Emma was born on May 31, 1927 at Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua Mexico. At age 19 she married and moved to Texas and was a lifelong resident of El Paso. She dedicated her life to her family, Church, political and community service organizations with strong emphasis on social justice, helping the elderly, poor and immigrants. In the 1970s she fulfilled her dreams of establishing a Spanish Evangelization Convention for 3 years bringing thousands of Christians closer to the faith. Mom was a woman of many passions including cooking, coloring, long drives, fishing, camping, conversation, offering advice, telling a good joke or two, and traveling the world to Mexico, Europe and the Holy Land as a travel agent for large church groups. Later in life, Mom dedicated herself in helping the poor and hungry by establishing multiple food banks including MANA Catholic Association a non-profit organization. For these efforts, Mom was given the Oak of Justice Award from the Diocese of El Paso.
Emma will be dearly missed by her children Rosa Delia, Jesus Arturo and Romelia, Antonio and Rosa Nelly, Javier and Liz, and Eduardo; 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous relatives and friends who kept her in their thoughts and prayers especially these last few weeks. She will also be missed by her friends and staff at Bienvivir Senior Center which Emma’s family is very grateful for all the caregiving, love and prayers given to her these last few years.
Emma was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years Jesus D. Molina; daughter, Irene, Son-in-Law Armando Muñoz; sister Beatriz, brother Pedro (Pepe) Melendez and niece Carmen; and her parents: Pedro Jose and Guadalupe Melendez.
A private celebration of Emma’s life will be held on Monday, August 24 at Hillcrest Funeral home and interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Due to the current pandemic restrictions, private viewing will only be for the immediate family.
