Marcella Samora is an American social activist and co-founder of The Selena Foundation, has taken on the responsibility of managing the non-profit organization independently since the tragic passing of her youngest daughter, Selena. Her primary focus is to fulfill Selena’s vision of guiding and supporting underprivileged children through access to proper education.

In this article, we take a close look at Marcella’s incredible life story, starting from her early years up to the present. We’ll explore her marriage, experiences as a mom, the tough times she faced, and the unwavering strength that makes her who she is.

Samora’s Early Years & Heritage

Marcella Samora’s journey began on July 17, 1944, in the United States. Her family heritage is a captivating blend of Mexican-American and Cherokee Indian roots, reaching back to the cultural landscapes of Amarillo, Texas, and her mother’s home state of Colorado.

Despite the richness of her background, details about Marcella’s early life and education remain somewhat shrouded in mystery. What is clear, however, is that a substantial chapter of her formative years unfolded in Washington, casting an intriguing veil over the circumstances that shaped her upbringing. The combination of diverse heritage and the geographical tapestry of Texas, Colorado, and Washington adds layers of complexity to Marcella’s narrative, inviting readers to explore the nuanced influences that contributed to the woman she would become.

Abraham Quintanilla and Marcella’s Love Story

Marcella and Abraham’s enduring union, a testament to enduring love, blossomed in the early 1960s against the backdrop of Washington. Abraham Quintanilla, a musician and former US Air Force personnel, discovered his passion for music during his teenage years. Their love story, intertwined with music and unwavering devotion, culminated in a timeless marriage on June 8, 1963. Their union that has stood the test of over 60 years.

Marcella Samora and her spouse, Abraham Quintanilla Jr.
Source: MarriedCeleb

Quintanilla’s musical journey, initially marked by success with the band Los Dinos, took a temporary pause when he served in the United States Air Force. However, the melody of his musical pursuits resumed, leading the couple to eventually settle in Lake Jackson, Texas, in the early 1970s. This relocation marked the continuation of their journey together, blending musical ventures with the tapestry of family life.

Marcella’s Childrens

A.B. Quintanilla III, born on December 13, 1963, emerged as a musical prodigy, inheriting his father’s musical talent. This multi-talented artist not only made a name for himself as a prominent singer but also delved into music production. A pivotal figure in the music industry, A.B. played a significant role in shaping Selena’s solo career and went on to establish successful bands such as Kumbia Kings and Kumbia All Starz.

Suzette Quintanilla, born on June 29, 1967, took a unique path in the world of music by becoming the drummer for ‘Selena y Los Dinos.’ However, tragedy struck in 1995 with the untimely death of Selena, leading Suzette to step away from her musical pursuits. Today, as the CEO of Q Productions, Suzette passionately dedicates herself to preserving Selena’s legacy through various endeavors.

Marcella Samora and Abraham Quintanilla became parents of 3 children.
Image Source: Pinterest

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, born on April 16, 1971, stands as the youngest and most celebrated of Marcella’s children. Recognized as the ‘Queen of Tejano music,’ Selena’s unparalleled talent propelled her to meteoric fame, marked by Grammy wins and chart-topping albums. Tragically, her life was cut short in 1995, shaking the Quintanilla family to its core and leading to the disbandment of Selena y Los Dinos. Selena’s legacy, however, continues to resonate as a musical phenomenon that transcends time.

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Death of Marcella Samora’s Daughter, Selena

The devastating loss of Selena shook Marcella Samora and her family to their core. In the aftermath, Selena y Los Dinos disbanded, and A.B. Quintanilla paused his music career, marking a somber period for fans. However, prevailed with the conviction of Yolanda Saldívar, Selena’s killer. Throughout the ordeal, Marcella’s unwavering strength played a crucial role in seeking justice for her beloved daughter.

Selena Quintanilla is a grammy award winner.
Image Source: Pinterest

In the face of tragedy, Marcella, alongside her family, took proactive steps to honor Selena’s memory and continue her legacy. In 1995, they established The Selena Foundation, a testament to their commitment to supporting children in crisis. Beyond this philanthropic effort, the family actively manages Selena’s official website, organizes tribute concerts, and engages in various initiatives aimed at preserving and celebrating the enduring impact of Selena’s artistry. Marcella’s resilience stands as a beacon, guiding the family’s dedication to ensuring Selena’s memory lives on, not only through her music but also through meaningful contributions to the community.

Marcella’s Net Worth

Abraham Quintanilla, Marcella’s husband, is actively involved in charity work and currently serves as the president and founder of The Selena Foundation, a non-profit organization named after their late daughter. Marcella’s annual salary, attributed to her role in the foundation, is approximately $60,000, contributing to her decent net worth of $1.5 million.

Abraham, a successful singer-songwriter, has achieved notable success with hit albums such as “The Guys,” “With This Cup,” and “Falcon,” accumulating a substantial net worth of $10 million. Marcella and Abraham’s late daughter, Selena, had an impressive net worth of $10 million at the time of her tragic passing. Selena’s earnings from record sales alone reached $15.3 million. Presently, the Quintanilla family enjoys a comfortable lifestyle in their $2.5 million mansion in Lake Jackson, Texas.

Marcella’s Struggle: Overcoming Health Challenges

Marcella faced a challenging health ordeal when she discovered a tumor while pregnant with her third child, who would later become her late daughter, Selena, in 1970. To prioritize her health, Marcella and her husband, Abraham, made the significant decision to relocate from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Lake Jackson, Texas, at the start of 1970.

Following medical advice, Marcella underwent a crucial surgical procedure to address the tumor, marking a period of uncertainty and resilience. Fortunately, she successfully recovered from the illness. During this time, Marcella and Abraham were anticipating the arrival of a son and had chosen the name Marc Antony for their child. However, to their surprise, Marcella gave birth to a baby girl at Freeport Community Hospital in Texas on April 16, 1971. In a touching gesture inspired by a fellow pregnant patient at the hospital, they named their newborn daughter Selena, setting the stage for the extraordinary journey of the iconic artist.

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