Candelaria P. Vela

On Saturday morning, December 3rd, our beloved mother Candelaria “Candy” Vela went to be with theLord and join our father in the kingdom of Heaven. Candy, age 81, was born on February 2, 1941, in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, to Maria and Domingo Padilla, the youngest of two children. When Candy was only two years old, she lost her father to a quick illness but was lovingly raised by her devoted mother, brother and her loving Aunt Ancelma “Chema” Padilla. When our mother was older, at her aunt’s insistence, the family moved to San Antonio for a better life and more opportunities. Candy graduated from G.W. Brackenridge High School in 1960 and was accepted into Texas Women’s University but declined the offer in order to stay with her mother who was sick at the time. This began our mother’s life long calling to care for her loved ones even though she herself faced serious health issues. Candy was born with a congenital heart defect and had a major, life-saving surgery when she was only 18 years old by the legendary cardiovascular surgeon Michael E. DeBakey in Houston, Texas. Our mother’s long life is a testament to Dr. DeBakey’s skill and knowledge at a time when cardiovascular surgery was in its infancy and we’re beyond thankful that our mother was always proactive when it came to her health. She knew her body and was her strongest advocate. At the time of her surgery, our mother already knew our father and he would travel to Houston to see her every weekend. Mom would tell us how he’d get off work, shower, change and head out to Houston down old Highway 90 to see her. Mom always told us the story of how our grandmother didn’t approve of any of her gentlemen callers until she met our dad. She approved of him from the very beginning and they enjoyed a warm and respectful relationship. Our parents were happily married on Sunday, July 14, 1963, at San Fernando Cathedral and raised a family of three. Candy started her career in the medical field with the offices of Norman, Brannan, Riley, Works and Stewart Radiology Group which later became South Texas Radiology Group and South Texas Radiology Imaging Centers. She enjoyed many happy years at the Nix Hospital and fondly recalled the wonderful relationships she formed with her bosses and colleagues. Years later, she joined the medical office of Dr. Fred P. Olin and worked there until his retirement at which time she retired herself. But, not being one to stay home and do nothing, she happily worked part time for several doctors: Dr. Weinstein, Dr. Neidre and Dr. Joyner. Our mother had many wonderful friends throughout her life and enjoyed playing Bunco and eating out with her medical assistant friends. She formed life-long friendships and had many special relationships with family and friends who entrusted her with their worries and sought out her advice. You could always count on our mother and she was our strongest prayer warrior. Our mother enjoyed traveling with our father and spent a memorable month with her brother and his family in Italy. They visited the Vatican and had lovely memories of Paris, Spain and surrounding countries. She also enjoyed traveling with dad, family and friends on gambling trips, to Disney World with the grandkids, to New Mexico to see the snow and to New York City to watch her granddaughter Maddie march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She enjoyed dancing with our dad, going to parties and hosting the BEST BBQ’s ever! Our parent’s parties are legendary and were full of fun times, good food and love. Although, our hearts are broken, we are comforted by the fact that she’s no longer suffering and she’s with our dad in heaven. He was the love of her life and mom often said she wouldn’t give up her fight with her illness until she cared for our dad until the end. She kept her promise and fought the good fight and is now enjoying eternal happiness with him or as she lovingly referred to him “mi cielo.” Candy is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Ismael, “Mike” Vela, Sr. and her parents. She is survived by her brother, Amador Padilla Sr. and his wife Eva; her daughter, Magda “Maggie” Rodriguez (Ross); sons, Rey Vela (Debbie), Ismael “Michael” Vela, Jr. (Tiffany); and grandchildren, Katherine (Rueben), Jessica, Madeline, Ismael “Trey” Vela III, Marissa (Jacob), Celina (David) and Julianna, great-grandchildren Ethan, Thalia, Carson and Conner; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, family and friends. Our family would also like to thank Rosa Maria “Rosita” Lopez for caring for our parents. You were a God send and we appreciate all that you did for our parents. The family will receive family and friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 16, 2022, at Porter Loring Mortuary.

PROCESSIONFRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 202211:00 A.M.FROM PORTER LORING CHAPEL1101 McCULLOUGH AVE.

ROSARYFRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 202211:30 A.M.ST. MARY MAGDALEN CATHOLIC CHURCH1710 CLOWER ST.

MASSFRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 202212:00 P.M.ST. MARY MAGDALEN CATHOLIC CHURCH1710 CLOWER ST.

Interment to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.