Monica Haydee Mireles, 45, was welcomed into the loving arms of the Lord on Saturday, February 10, 2024, after a courageous battle with a debilitating chronic illness. Up until the end, Monica kept her kindness, elegance, appreciation of beauty, love of family and friends, and steadfast faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
A lifetime resident of Laredo, Texas, Monica was born on September 8, 1978, the firstborn daughter of Amelia Resendez and Abel Salazar. She grew up in a large, tight-knit family helmed by her grandparents, Gabriel and Yolanda Quiroga, whom she called “Papi and Mami,” alongside her uncles, Edmundo (Papoose), Fernando, Eddie, and Robert. She considered them her brothers, and their affection was reciprocal, as they loved and looked out for Monica as their little sister. Monica graduated from J.B. Alexander High School in 1996, where she captained the Dazzlers dance team. An avid learner, Monica obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at TAMIU and went on to earn additional master’s degrees in Education and Counseling. She was working on her third master’s degree in Diagnostics when she passed away.
Encouraged by her family, Monica understood early on the importance of education, and she pursued a career where she could help all children thrive academically. She worked 20 years for the United Independent School District, first as a teacher at L.B.J. High School and later as a Special Education Instructional Coordinator. She serviced students at elementary schools, United and Alexander High Schools, and the Cherish Center. She led a staff of about 30 related service professionals, including occupational, physical, and behavioral therapists. Her co-workers became almost like family members during her career. Monica saw in this latter role her calling to serve and love students of all abilities so they could reach their God-given potential. It was amid her schooling and job responsibilities that Monica met a fellow graduate student and then co-worker, Mario Mireles, the love of her life.
Monica and Mario became integral members of Grace Bible Church, where they both led Bible study groups for over 10 years, touching dozens of lives and building life-long friendships. Monica always described church as her happiest place; her kindness and empathy radiated through her beautiful smile. She rejoiced in the fellowship of her brothers and sisters in Christ and, especially, in inviting guests to services. She always was humbled by the privilege of serving God and leading others to Christ.
Monica was a devoted mother and delighted in spending time with family and friends. She and Mario built a family with her daughters Carolina and Camila, and joyfully welcomed the arrival of their son Marcelo. She taught her children to love and care for each other, and she encouraged them to glorify God through their unique talents.
Monica cheered on her children tirelessly and was immensely proud of their achievements at school and on the sport fields. To her elder daughters, Monica was their closest friend and confidante, and together they shared adventures near and far.
She was known for relaying to the rest of the family each play of Marcelo’s many football and baseball games. At the frequent cookout gatherings of the Quiroga and Mireles families, she was the life of the party, always ready to joke and laugh heartily.
Monica is survived by her husband, Mario Mireles; children, Carolina Morales, Camila Holguin, and Marcelo Mireles; parents, Amelia Resendez and Abel (Myriam) Salazar; siblings, Juan Resendez, Abel, Alejandro, Jaaziel and Sofia Salazar; grandparents, Gabriel and Yolanda Quiroga; uncles, Edmundo (Tina), Fernando (Denise), Eduardo (Diana) and Robert (Sara) Quiroga; as well as many other family members and numerous church and work friends who miss her dearly.
The family will be celebrating Monica’s life at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services on Friday, February 16, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A prayer service officiated by pastors of Grace Bible Church will begin at 6:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family would invite you to consider making a memorial donation in her name to the ministry of small community groups of Grace Bible Church at gracelaredo.org.
Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-33611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com
Date: Friday, February 16, 2024
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services
Address:
Prayer 6:00 pm
Help tell the story of Monica by contributing to the Life Event Timeline. Upload the photo of an event...
Post an EventOur sincere condolences.
The staff of Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.
My deepest condolences to Monica's family, friends, and colleagues. I worked with Monica and I had tremendous respect for her educator's knowledge and work ethic. I will always remember her for being extremely dedicated to the special student population she served and her positive energy. I know she had a positive impact on many lives. May your memories and God sustain you during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to the family of Monica Haydee Mireles. I'm very sorry for your loss. May she Rest In Peace. Tomas M. Rodriguez Jr.
Caro, we are so sorry for the loss of your mother. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. From watching the video, your mother was an amazing person with the most beautiful smile and energy, and you, my sweet girl. have the same infectious smile and energy as her. Yesterday’s viewing at the funeral service was a great testament that she was very loved by everyone that knew her. Please know that we are here for you if you ever need anything. We love you and adore you. Alex, my nephew, is so lucky to have you in his life! Love, strength and peace to you and your family, always. Sincerely, Pedro, Rachel, Ruby, Peter, and Danny Farias. ❤️
In memory of Monica Haydee Mireles, Monica & Hector Rendon lit a candle
Our deepest condolences we are saddened to hear of Monica’s passing Prayers for the Mireles family 🙏🏼
Our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Mireles and family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May Mrs. M. Mireles rest in eternal peace.
Mario, We have you in our thoughts; our condolences and prayers to you and your family. Be strong our friend. Coach Jasso and Sylvia Lara
Our family is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your loved one. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. May you find strength in the cherished memories and support from those around you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God must have needed an Angel. I am deeply saddened to hear about Monica’s passing 😢 She was a great teacher, and an amazing human being. My heartfelt condolences go out to you, Mario and your family during this incredibly difficult time. Losing a loved one is never easy, and I can only imagine the pain and sorrow you must be feeling. May God give you strength, comfort, and peace 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Dios nuestro Padre Celestial la reciba en su Reino y le conceda a la familia fortaleza y pronta resignacion.
Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family. Stay strong as the Lord is there for us to give us comfort and tranquility. 🙏
My deepest condolences go out to the family during this difficult time sending so much love
My most sincere condolences to the entire Mireles family and those that were near and dear to Monica’s heart. May the Lord provide each of you with strength and peace during this difficult time. During tribulation, take heart that the Lord is always near. God bless.
Our deepest condolences, continuous prayers for you and your family 🙏
Mario my deepest condolences I just found out I am sorry that I will not be able to attend I just got a knee replacement but my prayers are with ❤️🙏🙏🙏
In memory of Monica Haydee Mireles, Irene Estrada lit a candle
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time..
Mario I'm so sorry for your loss brother! May God have his hand over your family during this difficult time! My condolences to you and your family! Take care my friend!
Mario, my sincere and most heartfelt condolences! Sending you and your family blessings!
Mr. Mireles, may fond memories of your wife Monica bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I am so sorry, Love Laura Garza.
Our deepest condolences, you are in our thoughts and prayers🙏
I worked for Ms. Mireles at Alexander High School. She was a great person to work with. She was understanding, caring and highly attentive to our special students. Her expertise and dedication will be missed.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss of your wife Monica. Wishing you peace during this difficult time. It was so nice to have a conversation with her at Martin High basketball 🏀 games. Monica and my daughter Ana Lilia Macias used to dance (duet songs) together when they were 5-6 years old with Camelia Academy. I cannot believe Monica passed away. God needed and Angel and called her to his home. Praying for God to give you peace Mr. Mireles, Marcelino, her daughter and rest of the family strength during this difficult time. Our sincere condolences Mr. Tano & Alejandra Macías (Head Coach Macías’ Parents).
Sending you and your family our sincere condolences. May God give you all comfort and strength.
My most sincere condolences to the entire Mireles family , may the Lord give you all strength and comfort .
Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.