Salinas, Anita Morales

Anita Morales Salinas, of Blacksburg, born July 15, 1932, was reunited with her beloved husband, Orlando F. Salinas and loved ones on Sunday, September 16, 2012. She passed onto glory, surrounded by her loving family. Her legacy of love and grace filled her life, her family, and those around her. Anita, originally from Cochabamba, Bolivia, was born to Telesforo and Avelina Calderon de Morales. As the youngest of seven children, she enjoyed the great affection of her family and the community. She served as a cultural ambassador, enriching the town and the quality of life for the residents. Her husband’s profession took them to the United States, and Anita lovingly raised their six children, and supported her husband in his growing medical practice. She devoted herself to training her children, and created a home that was a warm haven full of affection and delicious dishes and memories. From Cleveland to Tidewater to Blacksburg, Virginia, Anita colored the world of her loving network of friends, and encouraged many, many families. She masterfully created memorable family events and made her love real through her cuisine, décor, and grande vision of design. Always thinking of others, she led a procession of grace and affection, and delighted in celebrating those around her. She always gave her best, and passionately loved her family. Her integrity and character were without question. Anita devotedly participated in the life of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The Lord was the center of her life, and she enjoyed sharing the warmth of His love with others. With the St. Mary’s Church Ladies, she served in the Decorating Ministry of Worship, the Funeral Committee, and the Ecumenical Dinner Ministry.. Anita and her dear friend, Maria Sowinski, were the proprietors and creators of bakery concoctions at The Boulangerie-Patisserie in the 80’s, in Blacksburg, whose international baked fare was extremely popular, in particular with Virginia Tech architecture students. Anita and her childhood friend, Heliana Tejada de Ponce, conducted Cordon Bleu Culinary Workshops in the 90’s. Anita is survived by her children: Ana Maria Salinas Blevins, wife of Lyle Blevins; Rosita Salinas Perry, wife of Dr. Michael Perry; Pilar Salinas Derenge, wife of Charles Derenge; Orlando Salinas, Jr., married to Michelle Rose Salinas; Dr. Juan Salinas, married to Karen Dersch Salinas; and Marcos Salinas, married to Tami Harris Salinas. She is survived by her 25 Grandchildren, and one Great Grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orlando Salinas, and her brother, Samuel Morales. She is survived by her sisters and brothers: Yoli Morales de la Zerda, Jaime Morales, Lucho Morales, Mariluz Morales Bustamante, and Eduardo Morales. Anita’s children acknowledge, with great gratitude, her gracious, lively, and passionate faith, as she introduced them to a God who loves, who helps, who forgives, who saves, and who created a Beautiful World for the delight of His children. “A virtuous woman who can find? Her worth is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10. Funeral mass will be conducted Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 6:00 pm in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Remi Sojka officiating. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 pm Thursday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home Blacksburg.