Octavia Reyes Salinas

In Loving Memory of Octavia Reyes Salinas

Octavia Reyes Salinas, 95, known as “Mama Chief” by her family, passed away August 26, 2026, at home surrounded by loved ones.

Octavia was born on March 22, 1931, in Cerritos, San Luis Potosi, Mexico to Andrea Corona and Julio Reyes. Raised in Cerritos, she spent her youth in Mexico where she met and married the love of her life, Julian C. Salinas. Together, the two immigrated with their family to Weslaco, Texas and spent many years harvesting crops throughout the state. In 1965, they moved to California where they eventually settled in Salinas.

Octavia loved her family immensely and was adored by all who knew her. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, and tending to her gardens and birds. Throughout her life she shared these skills with multiple generations, though none could ever match her skill. She blessed her family with countless memories of tamale making, crochet lessons, and tending to her roses.

She is survived by her children, Celestina, Chalo (San Juana), Maria Juana (Francisco), Lina, Simon, Francisca (Ernesto), Gabriel (Cynthia), Luis, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Octavia is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Julian C. Salinas, and sons, Andres, Camilo, Emeterio, and Jose.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 8, at Healey Mortuary in Salinas from 1-8 PM, with Rosary beginning at 6 PM. Funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, September 9, at Sacred Heart Church in Salinas at 1:30 PM. Burial to follow at Garden of Memories Memorial Park in Salinas.