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