Mariaelena Silva Champion, 75, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012 at her residence in McAllen.

Mrs. Champion was born on July 15, 1937 in Mission. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from Pan American University and received her master’s in administration at Texas A&I University in Kingsville in 1974. She was an educator for 31 years beginning her career in Rio Hondo teaching elementary school and continued to teach in Harlingen, Mission, Presidio, Kingsville. She completed her career as a principal at David Crockett Elementary School in McAllen. She went on to teach at Pan American University in Edinburg. After retirement, she was a board member with the South Texas Independent School District for 12 years.

She was a Sunday school teacher and a lifelong member of the El Mesias United Methodist Church in Mission and worked on organizing the church's 100th year celebration.

Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Robert G. Champion; children, Robert R. Champion of Dallas, Annette Champion Aleman of San Antonio and Richard A. Champion of McAllen; brothers, Richard Silva and Ruben D. Silva; sister, Hilda Silva Escobar; and eight grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Antonio Silva and Rosalina Farias Silva; sister, Rosalinda Silva Flores; and brother, Antonio G. Silva.

Visitation will be held at 5 p.m. with a prayer service at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, at El Mesias Church. The funeral services will be held on Monday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m. at El Mesias with burial following at Valley Memorial Garden Cemetery in McAllen.

Pallbearers will be Tony Silva, David Silva, Marco Gonzalez, Robert T. Champion, Tony Garza and Joe Silva. Honorary pallbearers will be Aaron T. Aleman and Alec. G. Champion.