Melina Karen Saucedo

Melina Karen Saucedo, 49, of Waco, Texas, passed away on December 6, 2025, in Axtell, Texas. She was born on November 20, 1976 in Mexico City, Mexico, to Hermelinda Maya and Raymundo Saucedo.

Melina grew up in Waco and attended University High School before transferring to Midway High School, where she graduated with the Class of 1995. She later attended McLennan Community College, earning her Certificate in Teaching Children with Special Needs.

Throughout her life, Melina worked in many roles where she could serve and care for others. She was a Spanish interpreter with Care Options for Kids, lovingly supporting children, their families, and therapists. She also worked as an adult caregiver, a CTA with Bryan ISD, and in medical and legal offices in data and clerical roles. One of her proudest accomplishments was being crowned Ms. Hispanic Waco in 1995. After the birth of her daughter, she also devoted herself as a homemaker.

Melina was baptized in the Catholic faith and carried a strong belief in God throughout her life. She loved volunteering at nursing homes, often singing and dancing for the elderly and bringing joy to everyone she met.

Known for always putting others first, Melina had a positive, joyful spirit and a smile that could light up any room. She enjoyed dancing (folklorico, bachata, and zouk), singing karaoke, modeling, gardening, painting, and reading. She loved animals, especially cats and dogs, and had a special tenderness for babies. In high school she acted in theatre and played the cello, and as an adult she remained a true social butterfly, forming close bonds with many family members and friends. She was an amazing mother, sister, and daughter.

Melina married Robert Patterson, Sr. and in 2000 they welcomed her greatest joy, her only child, Karen Paige Patterson. Though they later divorced in 2007, they remained connected through their love for Karen. In 2014, Melina met her longtime partner, Randall Bates, whose companionship brought her happiness and comfort in the years leading up to her passing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to charities that support children with special needs, honoring Melina’s deep passion for serving and teaching these children.

Melina is survived by her daughter, Karen Paige Patterson; mother, Hermelinda Maya; father, Raymundo Saucedo; sisters, Melissa Saucedo and Corina Enriquez; brothers, Flavio Saucedo and Jaime Saucedo, Sr.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Christina Rodriguez Maya and her niece, Zora Celeste Saucedo.

She will be remembered for her kindness, her laughter, and the love she poured into everyone around her.