Carmen Tinajero Honored for her Service to La Feria

City park rededicated in her name

The citizens of La Feria don’t forget those who faithfully served the community for many years. Carmen Tinajero was one of that class of outstanding persons. Because of her more than 50 years of devoted service as Custodian/Technician to the patrons of the Bailey H. Dunlap Memorial Library, the city honored her by rededicating a beautiful park in downtown La Feria in her name. The park will be known as CARMEN TINAJERO-TINY TOWN MEMORIAL PARK.

A good crowd of family members and friends joined city officials in an unveiling ceremony on April 30, 2016. The ceremony brought together Mayor Victor Gonzalez, Jr.; City Manager Sunny K. Philip; and many elected officials, including: City Commissioners Julian Guevara, Jr. and Olga H. Maldonado. Commissioner elect Eric Hoff was present for the ceremony as well as former commissioner Angela Baldivia.

Representing the Library Board of the Bailey H. Dunlap Memorial Library, where she worked, were Betty Jo Dunlap and librarian Lori Vogt.

The well-attended ceremony began with a welcome by La Feria Mayor Victor Gonzalez, Jr., followed by an invocation by Reverend Rodolfo Franco of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. The mayor then recognized several special guests among those attending.

Carmen Tinajero’s family members present included her children and their father, Salvador Tinajero, Sr. Carmen’s daughter Amelia Tinajero and her daughter Brandy Tinajero were there along with her son Salvador Tinajero, Jr. and his daughter Selena Tinajero (Sal III was not able to attend)> Also present were her daughter Rosie Quintana and her daughters Sonia and Nakita Quintana. They traveled from Austin, Texas for the event.

The mayor introduced the Ladies of the Santa Monica Society (Women’s organization at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church). These ladies were in attendance to honor Carmen who was one of their lifelong members. Close family friends present included Josh Castellan and Elvia Navarro and son from Donna.

Seeing the affection shown by the city, daughter Amelia Tinajero said, “we are so blessed and honored for the City of La Feria to honor our mother in such a way that it will be a reminder to the citizens of La Feria that it doesn’t matter how old or how humble you are, you can always contribute something and make a positive impact on other people.”

City Manager Sunny K. Philip made the official Rededication presentation and presided in the Unveiling Ceremony. Philip said Ms. Tinajero is “an embodiment of community service and determination, she leaves a good example to follow in our community.”

He added: “She was well respected in the community and often volunteered at adult day care centers.”

“The Tiny Town park was originally opened in 2007 as a park for the community. It was developed around the “six pillars of character” according to the designers and developers,” Sunny Philip said, adding, “those six pillars lay emphasis on (1) Trustworthiness, (2) Respect, (3) Responsibility, (4) Fairness, (5) Caring, and (6) Citizenship. This lady we are honoring today by adding her name to the park exemplifies those cardinal characteristics of a good citizen.”

Carmen’s granddaugher Sonia spoke about her grandmother in these words: “Those who knew her will always fondly remember Carmen Tinajero’s strong will and independence. With her no-nonsense attitude, you always knew when you had done or said something she didn’t agree with. But she also believed in people and loved listening to stories. She lived her life with integrity and didn’t give up or quit. She continued working and volunteering her time and energy until the very end. Her family continues to strive to uphold the ideals she passed on to them.”

Sonia concluded her remarks with: “The Tinajero family would like to thank the City of La Feria, Texas and those who made this day possible.”

The legacy of Carmen Tinajero will continue to inspire future generations as we enjoy the facilities, or as we pass the CARMEN TINAJERO-TINY TOWN MEMORIAL PARK on our way to school, work or play.