Severa 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. Sevie was born on November 6, 1937, in Kenedy, Texas, to Jose and Tomasa (Carabajal) Ortiz. She devoted many years of her life to caring for others as a nurse, a profession that reflected her natural compassion, strength, and generous heart. She was first married to Jose Lopez Sr., who preceded her in death. In 1973, she married her “Honey,” Chemo. Together they built a life filled with love, adventure, laughter, and an unwavering dedication to family.

Sevie was truly the matriarch and guiding light of her family. In 2011, she moved from Toledo and retired to Laredo, Texas, though her love for both places remained strong. Even before relocating, she often took her grandchildren on extended vacations to Texas, where the boys worked and the girls shopped. After moving, she continued traveling back to Ohio simply to be with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—attending their sporting events, tractor shows, Fourth of July celebrations, and countless cookouts. Through these gatherings, she welcomed friends as family, extending her La Familia to everyone who shared in those moments.

To Sevie, “La Familia” was everything. She helped raise not only her children but also her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many extended family members. After trust was earned, Sevie’s door was open to anyone who embraced her strong work ethic and love for family. She believed in lifting others up and never hesitated to share her wisdom. Through her guidance, discipline, and love, Sevie created a blueprint for future generations, teaching the importance of hard work, loyalty to family, and striving to do better than the generation before.

Sevie also had a deep love for travel and adventure. She and her family enjoyed many long vacations together, creating lasting memories on numerous camping trips, visits to state parks, and travels to new places. Whether camping, enjoying the outdoors, or simply taking in the beauty of nature, Sevie loved being on the road with the people she loved most. Even the simplest country drives brought her joy. Sometimes she and Chemo would get in the car and drive, enjoying the scenery, conversation, and time spent together.

She also loved cooking—especially her famous Mexican rice—dancing at Mexican dance halls and playing Bingo. And if you planned to sit at the Bingo table with her, you’d better come prepared with some cash, because Sevie always played to win. Those who knew her best will remember her quick wit, playful humor, and the laughter she brought wherever she went.

Sevie 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.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength and will be deeply missed by 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); and fifteen great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and friends who were blessed to be part of her life.

Family and friends will be received at Urbanski Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 5055 Secor Road, Toledo, Ohio, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday at 10:30 a.m., followed by burial at Clay Township Cemetery.

Sevie’s love for her family, her laughter, her cooking, and the example she set will live on in the many lives she touched.