Carmela Salinas

Carmela Salinas of Portage, age 97 died on September 17, 2026. She was born May 4, 1929, in Peru to Manuel and Celina Olivares. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jorge Salinas, sister Nancy Adaui, brothers Hector Olivares and Jose Del Aguila, great grandson Fabricio Pasara, and son-in-law John Corbin.

Surviving are her children: Gustavo (Rosa Maria) Salinas, Carmen (John) Corbin, Beatriz (Maximo) Pasara, Nancy (Larry) Downey; grandchildren: Pablo Salinas, Jorge Salinas, Eugenia Salinas, Monica Curtis, Ursula Richarz, Maximo Pasara, Pedro Pasara, Frank Downey, Patty Gross, Carmen Harris; great-grandchildren: Julian, Eva, Elena, George, Alexandra, Noah, Sebastian, Mateo, Facundo; and many nieces and nephews.

Carmela was remembered for being enthusiastic, positive, and charismatic. She was an amazing cook, a devout Catholic, and a woman who was loved by everyone.

There will be a private family celebration for Carmela. Celebrate Carmela’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Breast Cancer Awareness. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900.