Guadalupe G. Vela

Guadalupe G. Vela, a remarkable soul whose essence resonated with love and strength, departed from this earthly realm on December 20, 2024, in her cherished hometown of Falfurrias, Texas. Born on January 5, 1943, Guadalupe came into the world as a beacon of joy amidst the vibrant tapestry of family life. She traversed the corridors of time with grace and dignity, nurturing dreams and aspirations along the way.

Guadalupe attended Parochial School in Kingsville, Texas, and later graduated with an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts. Known for her exceptional culinary skills, she was an excellent cook who found joy in nurturing those around her. She was a woman of great talents, with interests that included painting, decorating, planning events, and a love for travel. Her zest for life was evident in everything she did, serving as a strong and inspiring role model for her children.

Family meant everything to Guadalupe. She loved her family deeply, always providing them with words of wisdom and support. Her home was a haven for those in need, as she was always willing to help others, embodying a spirit of generosity and compassion. Her legacy will be cherished by her loved ones, who will remember her not just for her remarkable cooking, but also for her enthusiastic approach to life and adventure.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alberto G. Garza and Maria N. Garza; her son, Ricardo Vela Jr.; in-law, Simon Sr. and Celia Vela; brothers, Robert Garza, Rene Garza, Johnny (Janie) Garza, Humberto Garza, Pedro Garza, and Homer Garza; sister-in-law, Lupe Vela; brothers-in-law, Adolfo Vela, Baldemar, Simon Vela, Jr., and Christopher Vela.

She leaves behind her husband, Ricardo Vela; children, Horacio J. Vela, Laura (Joseph) Castellanos, and Victor (Wanda) Vela; grandchildren, Kristen Starr, Nicolas Castellanos, and Lianna Castellanos. Guadalupe is also survived by her brothers, Victor Garza and Abel (Lee) Garza; sisters, Janie G. Gehrke, and Maria Magdalena (Tino) Trevino; sisters-in-law, Carmen Garza, Ester Garza, Alicia Garza, Eva (Ricardo) Nuncio, Aurora, Lupe Vela, Noemi Vela, and Gloria Vela; brothers-in-law, John (Cora) Vela and Tom Vela.

Guadalupe will be greatly missed by her sisters-in-law and brother-in- laws, nephews and nieces, her spiritual family, and a decades long list of great friends she made in her lifetime.

The family will receive condolences at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2024 at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary in Kingsville, Texas; with a talk to take place at 11:00 a.m.  An inurnment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Falfurrias, Tx.