VANITA D. SALAZAR

1953-2007

McALLEN ? Vanita D. Salazar entered the Harmonious Gates of Heaven on Thursday, January 4, 2007.

She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Winnifred Evelyn Carpenter, and father, James Andrew Whisenant and her parents by law Salome and Alicia Salazar.

Vanita was born in Rio Hondo, Texas, on March 28, 1953, to Winnifred E. Carpenter and James A. Whisenant. Vanita is survived by her loving husband, Aldo Rene Salazar, and the love of her life and only daughter, Crystal Nicole Salazar who resides in New York City. She is also survived by her brother James Andrew Whisenant, II of Menchaca, TX.

Vanita attended Rio Hondo Public Schools, and was part of the 1971 graduating class of Rio Hondo High School.. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary/Special Education from Texas Woman?s University; her Master?s in Educational Administration with honors from University of Texas Pan American. She married Aldo R. Salazar on July 29, 1978.

Vanita dedicated her time to her family, her church, civic and school organizations. (Holy Spirit; Beta Sigma Phi Sorority; Kappa Kappa Iota; Texas Elementary Principals & Supervisors Association; Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development, and Rainbow Girls, Order of the Eastern Star Chapters). Her true passion and calling was to nurture children to succeed in education. She was with McAllen School District from 1976-1989, and La Joya Independent School District (LJ ISD) from 1989-Present. At LJ ISD, she brought honors not only to the school district, but recognition for the entire Rio Grande Valley and State for receiving the National Blue Ribbon Award given by the U. S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C.

We wish to express our gratitude for your prayers and support. These expressions of care and concern will always be cherished. Vanita?s family, friends and supporters are invited to a celebration of her life at a Rosary on Monday, January 8, 2007, at 7 p.m., at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2201 Martin Avenue, McAllen. A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2007, at 4 p.m., also at Holy Spirit. In lieu of flowers, or any other expressions of sympathy we ask that you consider support of a Vanita D. Salazar Educational Scholarship Fund which will be set up at Texas State Bank.

Services under the direction of Ric Brown Family Funeral Home.