Click Here for Livestream
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend Nellie Salazar.
On Sunday morning, November 7, 2021, she passed peacefully in her sleep at the age of 91-now finally free from living with Alzheimer’s. Her family surrounded her as she gained her golden wings.
Nellie was born on October 7, 1930, in Marfa, Texas to Edward and Manuela Duke. She was a graduate of Austin High School in El Paso Texas. She was a 69-year resident of Oxnard, California. Nellie’s devotion to God knew no boundaries as she was a lifelong parishioner of St. Anthony’s and Santa Clara parishes. On July 31, 1955, she married her true love, Macedonio “Macy” Salazar at the original Our Lady Of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Oxnard. Her passing marks a day of remembrance of a woman that loved her family, friends, and community.
Her community service garnered her recognition by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in 1991 for her work with Ventura County’s children and families. She served as a member and President of Oxnard’s Latin-American Women’s Social Club in Oxnard during the 1970s. In Oxnard, she became an established businesswoman as co-owner of Special Occasions Gift Shop and ran Nellie’s Day Care where she shared her love for children and families.
Nellie is preceded in death by numerous brothers and sisters, nephews, and nieces.
Nellie is survived by her husband Macy of 66 years, her son Paul (Oxnard), daughter Teri Vasquez (Jimmy), Ventura, son Michael (Erica Barbee), Camarillo, and son Edward (Carla Castilla) Salazar of Sacramento, along with her grandchildren Michael C. Salazar, Ryan Merritt (Kyle), Katie McCabe (Matt), and Brenna Vasquez. Graced by love are her great-granddaughters, Halle, and Nova Merritt. All are of Ventura, California. She is also survived by numerous sisters and a brother, spanning the states of Washington to Florida.
In the territory of a disease that robs one of memory, caregivers need to be acknowledged. Those living with Alzheimer’s could not get through the day, nor pass with dignity, surrounded by respect. The family wishes to thank Livingston nurses and staff who were by Nellie’s side until the end.
A Catholic mass will be held Friday, December 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at Santa Clara Church, 323 S. “E” Street, Oxnard, California. Please observe current COVID-19 regulations-masks must be worn, and social distancing guidelines will be observed. Entombment will be held later.
Nellie has been entrusted to the care of the family-owned and operated Reardon Funeral Home, Oxnard, CA. www.reardonfh.com
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Nellie Duke Salazar, please visit our floral store.