Severa “Sevie” Maria Melendrez

Severa “Sevie” Maria Melendrez, age 88, of Laredo, Texas, and formerly of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Born on November 6, 1937, in Kenedy, Texas, to Jose and Tomasa (Carabajal) Ortiz, Sevie spent many years as a nurse, a calling that reflected her deep compassion, strength, and generous spirit. First married to Jose Lopez Sr., who preceded her in death, she later married her beloved “Honey,” Chemo, in 1973. Together they created a life rich in love, adventure, laughter, and steadfast devotion to family.

Sevie was the matriarch and guiding light of her family. After moving from Toledo to Laredo in 2011, she remained deeply connected to both places. Long before her retirement, she brought her grandchildren on extended trips to Texas, where the boys worked alongside family and the girls enjoyed shopping. Even after settling in Laredo, she frequently traveled back to Ohio to attend her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events, tractor shows, Fourth of July celebrations, and family cookouts. She welcomed friends as family, extending her beloved “La Familia” to all who joined these gatherings.

To Sevie, family was everything. She helped raise her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many extended family members. Once trust was earned, her door was always open to those who shared her strong work ethic and love of family. With wisdom, discipline, and unwavering love, she taught the value of hard work, loyalty, and striving to improve upon the generation before.

Sevie cherished travel and the outdoors, sharing many memorable camping trips, visits to state parks, and road adventures with her family. She found joy in simple country drives, dancing at Mexican dance halls, playing bingo with fierce determination, and cooking—especially her famous Mexican rice. Her quick wit, playful humor, and warm laughter left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Jose Lopez Sr.; her daughter, Anna Ortiz; her sisters, Dora Trevino and Emma Contreras; her brother, George Ortiz; and her great-grandchild, Chase Jr.

Sevie leaves behind her devoted husband, Chemo; her children, Jose Lopez Jr., David Lopez, and Cynthia Lopez; ten grandchildren, Cynthia, Maricella, Gabrielle, David, Miguel, Maritza, Mariah, Danielle, Miguel, and Elizabeth; fifteen great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by her strength and love.