Nov. 16, 1998 – Sept. 21, 2015

Victoria Elizabeth Avendano, a 16-year-old resident of Port Arthur, Texas ran to Jesus’ loving arms on a beautiful sunset evening on Monday September 21, 2015 at 6:09 PM. Victoria was the precious daughter of Carlos & Smirna Avendano born on November 16, 1998. Victoria loved and admired her one and only sister Tiffany Cabrales-Marshall & her brother-in law Marcus Marshall of Maryland. Victoria was the ever loving “JuJu” of her niece Nevaeh and nephew Ayden Marshall. She has a very large loving family of aunts, uncles and numerous cousins that she loved whole heartedly; being with the family was most important to Victoria. Family time, playing games, watching movies and making memories with them was the joy of her life. She was a 10th grader at Memorial High School. Her friends were very special to her and she cared for them very much. She was a member of MHS Choir. She loved to sing but was shy about performing. Many knew that she was a shy, quiet girl who was just coming out of her shell. Victoria had a beautiful, loving, extended family at Getsemani UMC that supported her with encouragement, prayers and love. Victoria was such a funny girl and at times just hilarious. Her antics had you laughing till your sides ached. She was respectful of others and did not tolerate any injustices. She was a beautiful young lady with a radiant smile, a caring and unselfish heart, a gentle nature and an amazing spirit. She will be missed tremendously by her family and friends. She walked around the house singing “I am Sixteen going on Seventeen” as she looked forward to her 17th birthday. She will now be forever “Sweet 16”.
Victoria is preceded in death by her grandparents; Rosemarie Cabrales, Carlos & Enriqueta Avendano and her loving uncle Jorge Avendano whom she is now rejoicing with.
In addition to her immediate family, Victoria is survived by her maternal grandfather, Rev. Abraham Cabrales, of Port Arthur and by several aunts and uncle:  Rose Chavira (Frank) of Houston, Eunice Contreras (Tony) of Galveston, Miriam Cardona of Groves, Antonio Cardona of Port Arthur, Amada Reyes (Benny) of Groves, Christina Marques (Everardo) of Port Arthur, Enrique Avendano (Daneen) of Arizona, Efrain Avendano of Port Arthur and Areli Avendano of Laredo. She is also survived by her many cousins and their families, who will miss her dearly.
The family has set up a site for donations to help with medical expenses. If you would like to help the family, go to GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/rs5744nc
Services are scheduled for Saturday October 3, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Melancon’s Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12 noon – 2:00 PM. For more information, visit Melancon’s web page or call (409) 722-0218.