Alicia Vela

Alicia Vela, age 75, peacefully entered into eternal rest on October 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Alicia was a woman of deep faith, boundless love, and quiet strength. She dedicated more than 20 years of her life to her craft as a seamstress and later found joy in working as a florist. For eight years, she served the Progreso Independent School District with pride as a Crew Leader at the Progreso Elementary School cafeteria, where her warmth and care touched the lives of countless children and staff. Adventurous by nature, Alicia embraced life with open arms and a brave heart. She found joy in the great outdoors and was always eager to take on new challenges whether ziplining through the trees, tubing down rivers, sledding, fishing, or gathering family for a backyard BBQ. Her zest for life was infectious and inspiring. Above all, Alicia was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest joys were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren they were truly the light of her life. Alicia was a nurturer in every sense: humble, generous, and deeply loving. Her cooking brought her family together, her words brought comfort, and her faith provided strength in times of hardship. She was the steady heart of her family and will be remembered as a pillar of love, wisdom, and unwavering support. Alicia is survived by her beloved daughters, Hortencia Jones (Reynald Williams) of Stafford, Texas, and Magda Vela (Jose Martinez) of Progreso, Texas. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Carlos Martinez (Angela Avalos), Sylvia Jones, Jose Martinez, Jr., Joaquin Martinez, Madison Martinez, and Tommy Martinez, as well as her precious great-grandchildren: Olivia Martinez, Dominic Martinez, and Mateo Martinez. She leaves behind a legacy of love shared with her twelve siblings: Dorotea Galvan, Marcolfa Rodriguez, Lola Munoz, Yolanda Trevino, Lupe Munoz, Estefana Vela, Daniel Munoz, Miguel Munoz, Noe Munoz, Juan Munoz, Cristano Munoz, and Jesus Hernandez. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rogelio Vela, and four siblings, Victor Ordonez Claudio Ordonez, Paola Ordonez, and Jose Munoz. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a rosary at 6:00 PM at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace in Mercedes. A celebration of Alicia’s life will take place on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the same location, with Deacon Joe Torres officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery in Weslaco, Texas. Serving as pallbearers will be Jose Martinez, Carlos Martinez, Reynald Williams, Jose Martinez, Jr., Tommy Martinez, and Joaquin Martinez. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Mercedes, Texas. Alicia’s love, strength, and joyful spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and cherished her.

Alicia Vela

June 14, 1950 - October 10, 2025

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