Priscilla Salazar went home to be with the Lord Dec. 25, 2009 in Oak Harbor, at the age of 78. She was born to Frank an Irene Martinez on May 10, 1931 in Trinidad, Colo.

Priscilla was known, not only to her family, but to everyone who knew her, as “A Great Woman.” Priscilla, a devoted Christian, lived her life modeling faith in Christ and was deemed “a prayer warrior.” In every circumstance in life she rested in the knowledge that God is in control.

She lived her life one day at a time, trusting God’s will would be done, and did so even in the midst of her illness and unto the very end. Priscilla was known as an optimist, seeing hope in every situation, thus providing comfort to those around her. There wasn’t anything she didn’t trust God for, knowing Him to be the provider of all things needed. Priscilla was a woman of incredible strength of character, always holding her family up. Additionally, Priscilla was a very loving, kind, smart woman, with a great sense of humor, which was demonstrated in her exuberant laughter. She enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, watching sentimental movies and being surrounded by her family and friends. She will be remembered lovingly for these things, and for her internal and external beauty, both of which were clearly visible on her face.

Priscilla was preceded in death last year by her husband of 57 years, Gil Salazar. She is survived by her seven children and their spouses, Gil(Larry) Salazar and his wife Ginger, Ronald Salazar, Al Salazar, Veronica Barlup and her husband Mark, Rebecca Salazar, Wayne Salazar and Lorna Crandall and her husband Stephen; her grandchildren, Christopher Salazar, Jeremy Salazar, Rebecca Salazar and her husband Mike Hidalgo, Sara Salazar, David Salazar, Anthony Lopez and his wife Kimberly, Gina Casagrande and her husband Dante, and Hope Crandall; and her great- grandchildren, Ray Hidalgo, Gabriel Lopez and Zachary Lopez.

Priscilla is also survived by her sisters, Lily Trujillo, Cleo Perea, Jennie Bustos, and her brother Jimmy Maritnez.

She is additionally survived by countless nieces and nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law and many dear friends, most of whom are members of Church on the Rock, where Priscilla faithfully attended for 17 years.

The Salazar family would like to extend our thanks to the very special health care providers at Skagit Valley Hospital and Regional Cancer Care Center and Skagit Valley Hospital, who are especially generous with their time and the excellent care given to our mother, and to Whidbey General Hospital Home Health Care and Hospice.

Thanks to Burley’s Funeral Home, which has been entrusted with the arrangements, for their sensitivity in our time of need.

A memorial service will be held for Priscillla Salazar at Church on the Rock, 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 2.

In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73123-1718.